2026 WRC News & Rumours

My source told FIAT based. That BYD rumour makes little sense for me.

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Originally Posted by flat_right

I won’t create an official Rally Estonia topic just yet since none of this is confirmed, but there was a short news about Rally Estonia 2026 on the local news and…

1. The start list will include five historic Group A and B cars (not sure if it’s five in total or five from each group).
2. They will test a shorter format, meaning a maximum of 12 hours of driving and 12 hours of rest. I’m not sure if this refers to the time from when a driver leaves the service park until they return, so that all stages fit within that window.
3. The stages will be mostly the same as last year, with some minor changes.
4. Basically confirmed that Ott Tänak will start... or I don't know... maybe other Estonians can confirm :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu8HC99TFzA

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Yeah that grin on Aavas face right after the question seems to indicate that they will start.

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Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira

My source told FIAT based. That BYD rumour makes little sense for me.

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To be fair FIAT makes little sense. But it could be for both. I think particularly the BYD rumour is spread by people who haven't quite grasped that RMC don't need anyone. It was Lynk & Co and M-Sport until Milliner shot it down.

In absence of more information I think it's more likely a FIAT production engine block in an entirely RMC design. And that's it.

Announcements were saying that the design will be based on 'classic rally lines', so it would be something whack if it'll be a FIAT approved 131 quasi-replica.

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Edit: Maybe scratch that, "The origin of its powertrain is yet to be decided, although the team confirmed it is in discussions with a current Rally2 car maker over engines." https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/a...ctor/10814868/

WRC27 will be like Frankenstein cars.