The highly anticipated technical regulations for the FIA World Rally Championship starting in 2027 have been annuonced. These groundbreaking regulations promise to reshape the future of rallying, offering not just a glimpse of what’s to come, but an exhilarating roadmap for all enthusiasts.
Approved by the World Motor Sport Council on December 11, these new rules introduce a significant cost reduction for manufacturers and a spectacular increase in bodywork flexibility. This means we can expect a dazzling variety of production shapes and custom designs, making the competition more diverse than ever! With a bold ten-year cycle underpinning these regulations, manufacturers and teams will have the stability they need to invest and grow the sport exponentially.
This achievement is a result of rigorous collaboration among key stakeholders from the WRC Technical Working Group and the WRC Commission, which brings together FIA representatives, current Rally1 manufacturers, and the crews themselves. WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport, Peter Thul, expressed his excitement: “Working hand-in-hand with the FIA and other stakeholders, we’ve been instrumental in crafting these vibrant new technical regulations. The significant cost reduction is a pivotal step to not only retain our current manufacturers but also to tempt new ones to join the WRC family. We applaud everyone who contributed to this vision for the future!”
Flexibility is the heartbeat of the WRC’s technical future! As the automotive industry evolves rapidly, the updated safety cell concept from today’s Rally1 cars has been streamlined into a universal design, paving the way for a variety of bodywork options. Imagine hatchbacks racing against saloons and SUVs – and even bespoke rally concepts hitting the stages in 2027!
Cost control has emerged as a key focus for WRC stakeholders, and the new regulations deliver on that front with capped costs: just €345k for a basic car and €385k when including gravel and asphalt kits. That’s an astonishing 50% reduction compared to the outgoing formula! These remarkable savings are achieved through strategic component specifications and innovative designs, ensuring durability throughout each rally.
But that’s not all! Running costs for teams will drop significantly thanks to limits on personnel, reduced transport logistics, enhanced local infrastructure use, and improved data connectivity to streamline off-site engineering.
In true pioneering spirit, the new regulations ensure that the WRC will remain a leader in innovative motorsport. With sustainable fuel at the forefront since 2022, the 2027 regulations are designed to embrace a whirlwind of powertrain technologies, from sustainably-fuelled internal combustion engines to hybrid systems and fully electric solutions. For 2027, the spotlight is on eco-friendly fuel, but the framework is open to future advancements, keeping in sync with the evolving automotive landscape.
As if that weren’t enough, the regulations will include a torquemeter for manufacturers, synchronizing performance across various powertrains while limiting engine development.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem proclaimed, “Today’s regulations are pivotal for the long-term growth of the FIA World Rally Championship! Just a year ago, we recognized the need for rally stakeholders to unite and create a more coordinated approach. The unveiling of these regulations is a testament to our successful efforts!”
Pernilla Solberg, FIA President of the WRC Commission, echoed this excitement: “A massive thank you to all Commission members and the WRC Technical Working Group for their hard work in reaching this milestone. Thanks to clear objectives based on feedback from competitors, organizers, and fans, we now have regulations that will dramatically cut costs and ensure the WRC stays at the forefront of the ever-changing automotive landscape.”
The stage is set, and the future is buzzing! The WRC is ready to rev its engines and charge into a vibrant new era! Are you ready to join the ride?
