Kalle Rovanperä “doesn’t understand” WRC technical overhaul for 2025

The International Motor Sport Federation (FIA) indicated in February the proposals it wanted to put in place for the future of WRC. These concern the end of the hybrid on the Rally1s, which will also lose a certain level of performance and aerodynamics in order to see the difference with the Rally2s reduced.

An upgrade kit for the latter will also be made available to create so-called Rally2 Plus with the aim of allowing them to compete with the higher category. Measures that Kalle Rovanperä hardly understands, as he declared to the press present at the Rally of Kenya, including AUTOhebdo.

« It is certain that it will be less [pleasure] than today, recognizes the reigning double world champion. There are some good things about the new ideas, but there is the problem of cars. Trying hard for two years and using more money to create two classes that will never be completely equal or connected makes no sense. 

I understand that they [the FIA] want more cars from the same main class on the start list, but that's it. They should focus now on developing the new rules for 2027 and perhaps, hopefully, seeing new manufacturers come on board.

No one will come if they have to wait another half year before knowing the rules. If you know the rules six months before the new season, who will come? Person. »

For the Flying Finn, the problem comes above all from a lack of regulatory stability.

« This is the problem that has arisen so far: there is no real plan for the future, so no new teams are coming. If you cut costs and make the cars the way you want, but do it for two years and then that's it. I don't really understand this transition phase. »

An opinion that finds many echoes in the World Rally Championship paddock…

Comments collected by Loïc Rocci, special correspondent in Kenya

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