Compact Dynamics has supplied hybrid units to WRC teams for Rally1 cars. However, the FIA announced on Friday that hybrid units will be removed from Rally1 cars after this season.
The decision to either retain or remove hybrid units has been a frequent topic of discussion throughout this year. Earlier in the year, the FIA’s WRC working group suggested that hybrid units should be phased out after the 2024 season. Later, however, it was announced that hybrid cars would remain in use until the end of 2026.
The final decision was driven by the significant increase in repair costs for the hybrid systems that would have been incurred starting next season. Among WRC teams, M-Sport Ford made it clear that it was not willing to bear the additional costs, which were estimated to reach several million euros.
For Compact Dynamics, Friday’s announcement was a heavy blow.
“Compact Dynamics regrets the decision by the FIA and the WRC to phase out hybrid technology,” said the company’s Compact Dynamics managing director Johannes Klötzl, according to DirtFish.
“In 2022, we launched the implementation of our hybrid system with the goal of advancing the development of sustainable powertrains in motorsport. We share the FIA’s vision of making motorsport more affordable and accessible and understand the financial concerns of WRC teams.”
The hybrid units will be used for the final time in Rally1 cars at this week’s Rally Japan, which marks the conclusion of the 2024 season.
“Compact Dynamics is proud and grateful to have been part of the World Rally Championship for three years. We want to thank all parties for the constructive collaboration and wish all members of the WRC universe a successful future,” Klötzl said.
