Rally1 cars are poised to enhance the excitement in 2025, despite the hybrid unit beind dropped which will help in facilitating greater accessibility and affordability for drivers and teams aspiring to compete at the highest level of the FIA World Rally Championship.
By utilizing 100% sustainable fuel, these cars will be lighter and easier to drive, with reduced complexity in maintenance and lower operational costs. This transformation promises to retain the thrilling spectacle that fans expect, especially as the 2025 season launches at Rallye Monte-Carlo in January.
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Recent proposals from the WRC Commission, which received strong support from its members and were approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council through an electronic vote on November 15, confirm a significant shift in the technical regulations. Notably, Rally1 cars will move away from the existing plug-in hybrid units starting next year.
This decision to pause hybrid technology will enable teams and manufacturers to streamline their budgets and resources. It also provides a smoother transition for drivers progressing from the Rally2 category into the top tier of the WRC.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The rich heritage and unique appeal of this sport, which is so dear to my heart, are invaluable, and we are committed to safeguarding its future. This development is important not only for the championship’s stakeholders to adapt to the evolving energy landscape, but also for containing costs. By focusing on sustainable fuel and simplifying car technology, we’re ensuring the WRC remains captivating for fans and achievable for competitors.”
The potential of this new direction was evident during the WRC-counting ORLEN 80th Rally Poland in June, where Mārtiņš Sesks demonstrated impressive performance in his Rally1 debut. Driving a Ford Puma with ballast instead of a plug-in hybrid unit, he achieved four top-three stage finishes and occupied second place for three stages.
In 2025, the minimum weight of Rally1 cars will be reduced from 1,260 kilograms to 1,180 kilograms, and the air restrictor size will be adjusted from 36mm to 35mm. These changes are designed to ensure that the power-to-weight ratio remains consistent between the 2024 and 2025 vehicles, promoting competitive integrity and innovation in the sport.
FIA Chief Technical and Safety Officer Xavier Mestelan-Pinon said: “Following extensive dialogue with key stakeholders, it became clear that continuing to use the plug-in hybrid units provided under the existing supplier agreement was no longer in the best interests of the FIA World Rally Championship. We can now move forward in full confidence that the WRC becomes even better and stronger, with developments that are in line with the working perspective for the 2027 technical regulations. Once again, we have highlighted the championship’s ability to adapt without diluting the sporting spectacle, while responsibly embracing the challenges of our times. We are also pleased that the use of 100 per cent sustainable fuel remains a cornerstone of the championship’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.”
