The WRC in search of a compromise

In Croatia, it has been a year since discussions between the FIA ​​and the manufacturers began. 12 months to achieve… nothing? This is not completely true. During their meetings, both parties were able to present their points of view and their objectives. If Andrew Wheatley states “ that there is no war between the FIA ​​and the manufacturers ", it still appears that the belligerents are firmly camped on either side of a ditch. Will they be able to build bridges above at the risk of seeing the WRC collapse? This will be the challenge in the coming weeks before the World Council in June.

Manufacturers opposed to changes

« Since Croatia 2023, there have been several important meetings regarding the future, explains Wheatley. Le Rally 2 is the starting point for these discussions, as it is fundamental for the national championships. This is where we have new homologation cycles and new vehicles. In September, President Mohamed Ben Sulayem (Editor's note) traveled to Greece and the message he received from the manufacturers was that they wanted clear direction from the FIA. I think that's something that really resonated with the president. » The meetings which took place in Geneva in October then Baku at the end of the year did not lead to any major announcements or decisions. In Azerbaijan, the main step forward was the creation of a “task force” responsible for thinking about the future WRC with Robert Reid and David Richards as leaders. At the next rally in London before Christmas, the manufacturers indicated to the FIA ​​that they were opposed to changes to the Rally1s. “ In the discussion, explains the Road Sport Director, there was this concept of taking a two-step process 2025 and 2026, working on the current homologation of Rally1 with some small modifications to bring down expenses and make it easier for Rally2 competitors to come to Rally1. Then there will be regulations in 2025, implementation in 2026 and points in 2027 for a new Rally1 concept. Promotion was the first element, sporting changes to reduce costs and give flexibility to organizers second and third was the technical aspect. For now, it is this last aspect that comes first because it is easily visible. At the February World Council, we put forward a proposal that came from the working group. Following this, the manufacturers reiterated that they did not want any changes. »

Conciliation or chaos?

Considering the teams' position, isn't it curious to see that the FIA ​​still wants to continue the process? Isn't there a risk of leading to a breakup and the announcement of the departure of one of the protagonists...randomly? Hyundai ? Wheatley rejects this idea. “ I don't think the intention is to lose anyone, assures the Englishman who describes where the discussion is at a few weeks before a crucial World Council for the WRC. We are looking for a compromise. We know what the target is and the World Council is clear on its objectives. He wants there to be more cars on the entry list and an easier transition for competitors moving from Rally2 to Rally1. The third element concerns costs. All options are on the table and it's a matter of choosing which ones we want to try and that's the process we're in now. » Always very calm and measured despite the urgency and importance of the moment, Andrew Wheatley further clarifies. “ The presentation was made at the request of manufacturers, with a clear definition of the future of the sport, he explains. There are two elements on the technical level. There was a path to 2027 and a concept from 2027. The good news is that the latter satisfies just about everyone. The objective was to bring Rally1 and Rally2 closer together at the aero level with a view to 2027. The aero regulations that were proposed for Rally1 and Rally2 keeping in mind that this is the top plane of the wing on the Rally1. The way of attaching it to the bodywork is absolutely different. Aerodynamics is becoming a unique point. We can either do it in 2027 or we can do it step by step in 2025 and 2026. This is where manufacturers lose sight of the goal a little. »

In Zagreb, no one wanted to reveal the content of the concessions that could be made. Will they allow changes to be frozen until 2027 as the brands wish? Will the FIA ​​push through in the hope that the championship will survive decisions rejected by all stakeholders? Choices must be made in the coming days, because the project must be presented 6 weeks before the World Council, which means at the beginning of May. Will this have given all parties time to agree on compromises? While this has been going on for a year, the WRC should soon be clear on its future.