Rallycross
World RX goes back and accepts thermal cars again
World RX ended in 2023 with RX2e electric cars less spectacular than the RX1s. Photo Red Bull Content Pool
On the kneecaps in 2023 after a fire at Special One Racing and canceled meetings, the World Championship of rallycross (World RX) must find a new lease of life in 2024. To do this, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and the promoter of World RX, Rallycross Promoter GmbH (linked to Red Bull), have found a new idea: making electric and thermal cars coexist.
The project, called “Battle of Technologies” in the document published by the World Council meeting this Wednesday, December 6 in Baku (Azerbaijan), was not detailed in great detail by the FIA. This event format should allow thermal cars (the old Supercars with gasoline engines) and electric cars (impossible at the moment to know whether they are RX2e or RX1) to coexist in the same races with equal chances.
ALSO READ > World RX – ESmotorsport unveils the Skoda Fabia RX1e expected in 2024
The format of meetings is also evolving. No more time-based qualifying heat rankings! The hierarchy will be determined by the driver's finishing position in the heats. Championship points will be counted in each round, including during the elimination stages.
« It was agreed that this format would reduce the risks linked to the condition and evolution of the tracks and that it would be easier to understand for fans new to the sport., explains the FIA. More clarity and simplification, and apparently a shorter weekend; if the circuit deteriorates less, this means that the driving time will be reduced.
Furthermore, the manufacturer has changed. It will no longer be Cooper Tires, but Hoosier Racing Tire, for all FIA badged categories (World RX, but also RX2e, and European Championships RX1 and RX3). A reasoned choice according to the FIA after a call for tenders and a test in terms of technical feasibility and performance of the rubber which gave satisfaction in October. Hoosier Racing Tire is an American firm, a subsidiary of Continental since 2016, experienced in dirt track racing. Their rallycross heritage lies in TitansRX, a short-lived series which lasted only three years, between 2019 and 2021.
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
Continue reading on these topics:
Read also
Comments
*The space reserved for logged in users. Please connect to be able to respond or post a comment!
0 Comment (s)
To write a comment
0 View comments)