Didn't you read his interview before the rally? And before Portugal? And before the previous (and next) gravel rallies? When he keeps complaining every time that he needs a "miracle" to win and how rules are unfair?
Even the president of French Federation himself is going to compete in Rome :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/en/news/pierres-ragues-to-driving-improvement-riches-in-erc
it is, end of the year. (but i don't know about anyone developing a new rally2, just people upgraing )
WRC mainclass from 2027