Fri 20 Dec 2024

2027 WRC regulations win backing from team bosses

Technical regulations for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from 2027 onwards have garnered strong support from key team leaders, signalling a new chapter of innovation and growth for the sport.

Approved by the World Motor Sport Council on 11 December, the updated framework introduces significant cost reductions for manufacturers and greater flexibility in bodywork design. These changes aim to attract a wider range of production car shapes and bespoke designs, broadening the sport's appeal. Underpinned by a ten-year regulatory cycle, the plan provides a stable platform for manufacturers and teams to make long-term investments and drive sustainable growth.

The regulations are the result of extensive collaboration within the WRC Technical Working Group and the WRC Commission, which brings together representatives from the FIA, WRC Promoter, current Rally1 manufacturers, and crew representatives.

Hyundai Motorsport’s President and Team Principal, Cyril Abiteboul, welcomed the long-term strategy and focus on sustainability:

"It is always positive for manufacturers to have a long-term roadmap for the championships that we can assess and improve altogether,” he said. “We welcome the important efforts that have been made to reduce costs, as the sport needs to stabilise and develop its manufacturers base. We also look forward to developing the value of the sport by showcasing spectacular cars in exciting rally formats to increase the fanbase.”

For M-Sport Ford’s Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, the regulations represent a step towards greater inclusivity and affordability: “I think that the regulations are the correct way to go for the WRC. We need to have new entries, more teams and drivers competing at the top level, and these regulations for 2027 will encourage this. It will allow us to give more young drivers a chance, which is essential for the long-term success of the sport, and it's also really important that we make the WRC more affordable, allowing teams to compete alongside manufacturers.”

Toyota GAZOO Racing’s Team Principal and former WRC driver Jari-Matti Latvala, emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, adding: “We have been working hard with the FIA to contribute as much as we can towards the 2027 regulations. We believe the main headlines of draft regulations are well formulated and heading in the correct direction. We still believe there is important work to do in order to finalise and improve some of the details but at this stage that is totally normal.”

Sweden
Starts: Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 8:00:00 AM
Spain
Starts: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:00:00 AM
Turkey
Starts: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8:30:00 AM