The FIA ​​R4 Kit soon to be tested

Several working meetings have been held in recent months at the FIA ​​in the presence of a large number of ASN representatives from around the world in order to discuss the conditions for implementing this new regulation, the central subject being that of homologation since the national federations will be concerned by this obligatory step.

ASNs which were also well represented at the 5th FIA Sport Conference last week in Geneva, a now unmissable event for the major players in world motorsport and during which ORECA, through its President Hugues de Chaunac, took the floor to explain the challenges and the many advantages of the R4 category newly created by the FIA. It was also the opportunity for the Var company to reveal the latest details on the construction and standard approval process of an R4 to all the federations present.

Process for producing an R4

• Step 1
  Approval of the kit: between July 1 and September 1, 2017
  The duration of approval is 7 years and is renewable.
  ORECA is the exclusive supplier for 2017, 2018 and 2019
• Step 2
  The preparer must choose a production car from the series, which must have been produced in a minimum of 2.500 copies. It can be 2 or 4 wheel drive.
• Step 3
  The preparer must have the following validated with ORECA:
  – Location and installation of the kit on the hull
  – Engine and transmission installation
  – Installation of the fuel tank
  – Modifications made to the hull
• Step 4
  The preparer must present to his ASN the approval file including:
  – Length and Width of the car
  – Width of the bodywork from the front and rear track axes
  – Front and rear overhang
  – Wheelbase
  – Location and dimensions of the FIA ​​R4 kit in the original hull
  – File of modifications made to the hull
  – Seat supports and anchor points
  – Side safety reinforcements
  – Door panels
  – Windshield
  – Longitudinal transmission shafts
  - Rollbar
• Step 5
  Once approval has been issued by the ASN, the preparer can equip his car with the FIA ​​R4 kit. It is therefore authorized to use public roads.

Côté développement, dans les bureaux d’études et les ateliers d’ORECA, la conception et la fabrication des pièces nécessaires à l’assemblage de la voiture d’essais se poursuivent. Bien que le processus prenne un peu plus de temps que prévu sur certaines phases, le planning initial ne devrait pas beaucoup évoluer et les premiers tests avec le véhicule d’essais (Toyota Etios) devraient avoir lieu avant la fin de l’été.

In view of the numerous requests for information issued by those in the world of rallying since the launch of the category, the start of the R4 therefore presents itself very favorably.