The world motorsport governing body revealed its proposed roadmap for the future of rallying last week which includes changes to technical and sporting regulations, alongside a plan to improve the championship’s promotion.
The vision includes changes that will be implemented from next year chief among them the removal of hybrid power from Rally1 cars. The cars, introduced in 2022, will also undergo a reduction in both aerodynamics and the vehicle’s air restrictor.
These cars will remain eligible to compete until the end of 2026 and will coincide with an overlapping introduction of new regulations that will form the basis of the Rally1 class from 2027.
The 2026 cars will be based on the Rally1 car concept, producing around 330 horsepower and capped at €400,000.
Reflecting on the FIA’s vision, Latvala admitted the announcement contained “some quite big surprises” but in general the Toyota boss is glad to at least have a direction for the future and approves of plans for more variety in WRC event formats.
However, the Finn believes areas of the FIA’s vision including the changes proposed for 2025 have gone too far. The Finn has confirmed that teams are in communication with the FIA to find a workable solution for next year.
Jari-Matti Latvala, Team principal Toyota Gazoo Racing
Photo by: Toyota Racing
“There were many things [announced]. Let’s say there were some quite big surprises as well, but generally speaking, there is a lot of good things,” Latvala told Motorsport.com.
“What is important is that we have the right action and we know what to aim for now, which is helping everyone for planning and for the new manufacturers that want to look into possibilities to come to the World Rally Championship.
“But there is a couple of things which are too aggressive, and I hope we can communicate with the FIA and find a solution for these few ideas, so that we don’t get carried away.
“For me the sporting side when I look over that was really good. A bit smaller service park and using remote services and maybe less people in the service to try and get the costs down which is very good. Overall thinking about the future concentrating on sustainability and carbon neutral fuel and even hydrogen, this is where the future is.
“Taking the hybrids out I think will definitely save costs because unfortunately the way it is when it is fitted in rallying it lifts up the costs quite significantly because it is not only the electricity…
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