Changes in WRC!

In the WRC, things are moving there too. Engine changes in 2011, new "WRC Cup" for the S2000 and new format for rallies, are some of the decisions taken by the FIA.

Published on 24/06/2009 à 18:30

⁰ View comments)

If it is certain that the World Rally Cars (C4 WRC, Focus WRC) are set to disappear in favor of the Super 2000s equipped with an aerodynamic kit in 2011, it seems that the FIA has decided to accelerate the reforms. “ To be in line with the engines used in the automobile market », according to the terms of the press release, the FIA has in fact chosen to bring forward the date of introduction of the 1600 cc engines to 2011.

Originally, the 1.6 liter turbo engines were only supposed to be introduced in 2013 to replace the 2.0 liter engines that equip the S2000. This decision will promote longer-term visibility and will allow current teams (Citroën and Ford) but also manufacturers wishing to join the championship to be able to see more clearly to decide their future in the discipline.

Furthermore, from 2010, if the World Rally Cars will still be able to score points in the manufacturers' standings (for the final year), the FIA has decided to set up in parallel a "WRC Cup" reserved for S2000s. Teams wishing to participate must take part in at least seven events, including one outside Europe.

Finally, to try to give a particular flavor to each round of the WRC, the organizers will now have the possibility of modulating each event. Thus a rally may last two to four days but must end over a weekend (Saturday or Sunday). To increase the spectacle, it was also decided that the rallies could be run on mixed surfaces (dirt-asphalt) on a special stage or over a day.

Here is the full schedule:

Sweden (February 14)
Mexico (March 7)
Jordan (April 4)
Türkiye (April 18)
New Zealand (May 9)
Portugal (May 30)
Bulgaria (July 11)*
Finland (August 1)
Germany (August 22)
Japan (September 12)
France (October 3)
Spain (October 24)
Great Britain (November 14)

*Subject to approval by FIA observers