The FIA formalized these new regulations after an electronic vote today as the Monte-Carlo rally starts in just over two months.
With the disappearance of the hybrid, quickly officially justified for a reduction in overall expenses, the Rally1 of 2025 and 2026 will be 80 kg lighter, while the air intake flange will be reduced from 36 to 35 mm. Such an adjustment of the weights and the bridle should thus make it possible to maintain a weight/power ratio equivalent to the hybrid Rally1s.
“After extensive dialogue with key stakeholders, it became clear that continuing to use the plug-in hybrid units supplied under the existing supplier contract was no longer in the best interests of the FIA World Rally Championship. We can now move forward with confidence, with the WRC becoming even better and stronger, with developments in line with the working outlook for the 2027 technical regulations. Once again, we have highlighted the championship's ability to adapt without dilute the sporting spectacle, while responsibly meeting the challenges of our time. We are also pleased that the use of 100% sustainable fuel remains a cornerstone of the championship’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.” commented Xavier Mestelan-Pinon, FIA Technical and Safety Director.
Established following the request of several manufacturers, hybridization ultimately only lasted three seasons instead of five. Unreliable and becoming too expensive over the course of repairs, this technology will not have fulfilled its only real objective, that of attracting new manufacturers to the premier category.
In its press release, the FIA seems to present this new regulation as a starting point for the more important ones of 2027.
“The removal of the hybrid engine is a continuation of the work orientation set for 2027, the principles of which will be proposed to the next World Motor Sport Council on December 11.”
On the manufacturer side, M-Sport already has good experience of the Rally1 without hybrid with the participation of Martins Sesks in Poland and Chile, as well as Jourdan Serderidis in Central Europe, while Hyundai is testing in this configuration for a few weeks. For its part, Toyota probably worked more secretly.
