Drivers have voiced concerns this year over excessively long competition days. The issue came clearly into focus at Rally Portugal, where crews worked virtually around the clock – and even beyond that.
For example, Friday’s schedule at Rally Portugal lasted 15 hours, during which drivers and co-drivers had only two short breaks during remote service zones.
Now the FIA has added mandatory rest hours to the regulations, which will come into effect at the 2026 WRC season. From then on, every rally will officially define competition and rest hours.
The number of rest hours must be at least equal to the total competition hours – except on the opening day of the rally. Each day must include a minimum of ten hours of rest, and on at least one day there must be a rest period of no fewer than twelve hours.
However, this rule does not necessarily mean that crews will have ten full hours of rest every day. During the breaks, drivers and co-drivers will still have to carry out preparation work, such as reviewing the next special stages on video.
Nevertheless, the revised regulation will prevent marathon days like the one seen in Portugal. This is a change that competitors will undoubtedly welcome.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council also approved additional regulation changes. From next season, the duration of midday service will be reduced from the current 40 minutes to 30 minutes.
Chicanes must also be properly positioned and marked before reconnaissance begins. If a competitor hits a chicane during the rally and any of its elements are fully displaced from their marked position, an automatic five-second time penalty will be applied.
Changes have also been made to the engine replacement regulations. An engine may be replaced after the start of the rally only if the car is not a Rally1 car nominated to score manufacturers’ points. Any engine change triggers a 60-minute time penalty, and the crew will no longer be eligible to score points in any FIA championships.
The final round of the 2025 WRC season begins on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. The 2026 season will get underway in January at Rally Monte Carlo, with the new regulations in force.
