An exert of the release from the FIA after their recent meeting.

In the sporting regulations, amendments have been made to support the introduction of the new Rally1 hybrid cars at the top level of the discipline, with a strong focus on cost management, safety and sustainability.

The number of engines allowed for each manufacturer has been reduced from three to two, while the use of hybrid units per season (testing not included) for cars entered to score points in the Manufacturers’ Championship has been limited to a pool of nine over the course of the season, with one hybrid unit and one spare hybrid allowed in each rally for all other Rally1 cars, to comply with Rally1 cost saving measures.

As part of the High Voltage safety procedures starting in 2022, every Rally1 car must carry on board HV class-0 gloves, which driver and co-driver will be required to wear in an event of an HV issue to ensure a higher level of protection. Rally1 cars will be marked with a “HY” sign in white letters on red background on the front door panels replacing the vehicle number to make it more easily identifiable by marshals and spectators. Clarification was brought regarding the charging procedure for Rally1 plug-in hybrid cars as well as for HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) zones, when the Rally1 car will use emission free driving. Also, additions to the Appendix 14 were approved to outline the HV safety procedure to follow in the event of a red light or battery thermal incident.

Other sporting changes include a revision of Article 53.1 to create a strong incentive for competitors to stop and re-fasten their helmet, should they realize in a stage that it is not done correctly – a penalty may be assigned otherwise. The procedure for refueling was also clarified, with competitors having to remain outside the car during the operation and the crew supplying the fuel to wear specific clothing. To reduce the instances of drivers registering as co-drivers and taking championship points, the person nominated as the driver on the entry form must now drive on the special stages, except in a case of force majeure, in order to score points.

In the technical regulations, there were changes to the Rally1 class to include the increase of the minimum weight of the car by ten kilos in order to limit the costs.