Hybridization will arrive in 2022 in the WRC

The announcement is in no way a surprise, since Yves Matton, Rally Director at the FIA, had already mentioned this arrival of hybridization in our columns recently.

The World Motor Sport Council in Paris this Friday, organized on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2019, formalized the arrival of a hybrid system on the next generation of World Rally Cars, which will run from 2022 to 2027.

The said system will be provided “of common components and software for the first three years, with a potential technical opening in 2024. The objective is to allow cars to run on 100% electric energy in the city and to provide a boost to special. »

Concerning the admitted car models, the FIA ​​clarified that the “manufacturers will be authorized to use a body from production or a prototype incorporating a tubular structure in accordance with the size guidelines in force in WRC.

The FIA ​​should define elements from production vehicles for essential visual elements. It will also be possible to 'scale' the bodywork within prescribed limits, to allow larger cars to comply with dimensional targets. »

An opening to different models which could therefore potentially offer more diversity than the current B segment cars.

Tender for tires

A new call for tenders for the supply of tires for all Aliganant four-wheel drive championships between 2021 and 2024, with, as always, the desire to contain costs. Michelin is currently the main manufacturer in the discipline, without the rubber market being closed to competition.

The Junior WRC championship will retain its current format for the next two years. A Ford Fiesta R5 will remain the main prize for the winner, who will also be able to count on two outings on WRC rounds with a car prepared by M-Sport, in order to prepare for the transition to WRC2.

The British entity will also be in charge of a program to detect young pilots, organized between Great Britain, Estonia, Italy and Finland.

The 2020 calendar still in the dark

Another expected element, the 2020 calendar was ultimately not revealed by the FIA, a postponement until the end of June having been decided. In the meantime, the possible rotation or alternation of the tests will be studied.

Finally, note that the current promoter has seen his contract extended over the long term.