Discussions continue between the FIA ​​and manufacturers regarding the future of the WRC

In December 2023, given the worrying evolution of WRC, a working group was formed to reflect on solutions likely to get the WRC out of its slump and ensure its future. After a few weeks of reflection, the verdict fell during the World Council on February 28, which approved the direction indicated by this “task force”.

The most important proposal for Rally1 is to transform the cars in this category. For the 2025 season, they will have to lose the hybrid unit, receive a smaller wing and adopt a smaller intake flange. At the same time, a kit must be developed to allow the Rally2s which will be equipped with it to be more efficient, the aim being that there are more cars able to aim for the top of the ranking.

These announcements are far from being unanimous among the three teams involved and among the drivers. The latter are not against the ideas put forward, but above all they criticize the timing, believing that 2025 is coming very quickly. They asked the FIA ​​in writing to keep the current regulations and work to have new ones in 2027. The situation is astonishing (to say the least…). Not so long ago, some people wanted the hybrid removed because it was too expensive. While this could come to fruition in 2025, they now agree to roll with it until 2027… In the same vein, Toyota has already carried out tests in Croatia with a Yaris equipped with a smaller spoiler which would show that such a change is not that complicated to make…

Even if the differences seem deep, the actors continue to discuss. Meetings took place again on Monday and Tuesday to try to find solutions. They will continue until June. It is in fact at this time that the 2025-2026 WRC regulations will be ratified. It is impossible to know if these meetings serve any purpose or if everyone sticks to their positions, but they have the merit of existing. At the end of these two days, an FIA spokesperson provided an update on the progress of the work.

« The WRC Commission discussed a number of key topics in relation to the future trajectory of the sport and the direction set by the WRC working group which was approved by the World Motor Sport Council on February 28. Positive steps have been taken and work continues at pace on the sporting and promotional aspects, with further meetings planned in the coming weeks, and there is broad agreement regarding the technical direction of the championship from 2027. We are engaged in specific discussions with stakeholders on shorter-term technical developments for 2025 and 2026, about which concerns have been raised by manufacturers which are currently under review. The only Our goal remains to safeguard and strengthen the Rally1 category and we are confident that we will find collaborative solutions to the issues that have been raised. »

Work continues in the WRC Commission offices and it will be interesting to have the teams' point of view during the next rally from Croatia (April 18-21).