Three manufacturers commit to 2022-24 WRC rules

The FIA is pleased to confirm the commitment of Hyundai, Toyota and M-Sport Ford in preparation for the 2022 World Rally Championship, when Hybrid power will be introduced in the top tier of the series.

The three-year agreement includes a shared contribution to the development costs of the technology for this new era, which will have a strong focus on safety, cost management and sustainability.

The three automotive firms have agreed to a set of principles in the form of a “new deal” that formalizes the close collaboration between all WRC stakeholders – manufacturers, WRC Promoter and FIA – started in 2019, when the introduction of hybrid technology in 2022 was announced.

In this joint initiative, the FIA and WRC Teams are committing equally to the development of the hybrid technology that will be incorporated in the new-generation cars. In addition, the FIA introduces an innovative partnership model based on a three-year cycle, unlike the current annual commitment, which will offer better stability and planning opportunities as well as a new marketable asset for all parties.

Through this model, the participation in the FIA World Rally Championship will shift in 2022 to a numerus clausus system of four slots, with each of the three current manufacturers and the FIA owning one slot.

“The FIA World Rally Championship is on the brink of reaching an important milestone with the new-generation cars, Rally1, coming in 2022. A switch to plug-in Hybrid power reflects the latest trends in the automotive industry, at the same time making the sport more sustainable. This was made possible owing to the joint efforts of the Manufacturers and the FIA. The fact that all three of the brands currently involved in the championship committed for a further three years proves that world rallying is heading in the right direction. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement. And this comes together with the transition to sustainable energy, which is one of the main objectives of the FIA and its Purpose Driven movement.” Jean Todt, FIA President

2020 Rallye Monte Carlo – Shakedown. Gap. World Rally Championship. By Sam Tickell for RacerViews.com

Hyundai commits

Hyundai Motorsport has reaffirmed its commitment to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), with the company developing a brand-new challenger for WRC’s hybrid era based on the Hyundai i20 N road car.

The two-time manufacturers’ championship-winning team – currently in its eighth season in WRC – supports the new direction outlined by the FIA and the WRC Promoter which strengthens Hyundai’s use of motorsport as a showcase of its high-performance and sustainability credentials.“

Hyundai Motorsport exists to support the global objectives set by Hyundai Motor Company, by offering a credible platform to showcase current and future automotive technology. Through racing and rallying, we are able to influence and give direction to development of tomorrow’s Hyundai road cars; this is a real honour and a role we take incredibly seriously. We are therefore pleased to support to the future direction outlined by the FIA and the WRC Promoter with the new hybrid regulations from 2022. We will develop our car around the Hyundai i20 N, which itself was inspired by our WRC success to date. As two-time champions, we welcome the new challenge and look forward to flying the Hyundai flag into this new era.” Andrea Adamo – Hyundai Team Principal

M-Sport Ford commitment

M-Sport Ford have committed to the future of rallying – pledging to register and participate in the FIA World Rally Championship’s new hybrid era from 2022 to 2024.

This new commitment strengthens M-Sport’s relationship with the Blue Oval – a partnership which has delivered considerable success over more than two decades.

Joining forces in 1997, M-Sport Ford have secured seven FIA World Rally Championships, 61 victories, 262 podiums and more than 1500 stage wins – making them one of the sport’s most successful partnerships with an unbroken record of 258 consecutive point scores.

“It’s always been important for our sport to move with the times, and this commitment to hybrid technology aligns the future of rallying with Ford’s global commitment towards a more sustainable future.
“As the toughest championship for production-based cars, the FIA World Rally Championship provides the perfect platform to test, develop and promote the latest road car technology – making this development integral to the relevance and continuation of our sport.
“It has also been integral to the continuation of our successful partnership with Ford and safeguards the immediate future of M-Sport in the FIA World Rally Championship.
“Over the past two decades we have delivered some fantastic performances and developed some of the championship’s most successful cars and drivers. Working closely with Ford Performance, it is our intention to continue that success in 2022 and progress on our latest challenger continues with testing both here in the UK and in America.
“There is still a long way to go, but we’re committed to delivering another rally winner as the world moves towards a more sustainable future.” Malcolm Wilson – M-Sport

Hyundai commits

M-Sport Ford commitment

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