WRC main class in 2025

[rallyfiend]

I think the working group only gained the power to act at the end of last year. Like you say, politics etc, and scrapping hybrid is a part of that and to address an immediate concern. They probably were thinking things through for a while before, combined with any new information since. Long term, nothing is bringing in manufacturers. I don't know what else they can or should do that isn't totally radical.

Lets see if it costs current teams.....

[macebig]

Million dollar rallycars were going nowhere, very fast. Something needed to be done, quickly. Personally, making Rally 2 the top category with no spec changes would have been fine. I understand why FIA felt the need to protect some of the Rally 1 investment and keep a semblance of happiness with the 3 current teams. The compromise we got is fine for now. Further evidence is needed before drawing full conclusions.

[WRCStan]

Million dollar rallycars were going nowhere, very fast. Something needed to be done, quickly. Personally, making Rally 2 the top category with no spec changes would have been fine. I understand why FIA felt the need to protect some of the Rally 1 investment and keep a semblance of happiness with the 3 current teams.

For 2027, the 3 manufacturers would need new bigger chasses, new engines albeit they've got one, new gearboxes... but still new cars. There's no connect.

There's a reason FIA didn't choose Rally2 or the +WRC Kit for top category, even if it may turn out to be just that.

[Kenneth]

Million dollar rallycars were going nowhere, very fast. Something needed to be done, quickly. Personally, making Rally 2 the top category with no spec changes would have been fine. I understand why FIA felt the need to protect some of the Rally 1 investment and keep a semblance of happiness with the 3 current teams. The compromise we got is fine for now. Further evidence is needed before drawing full conclusions.

Making Rally2 the top category with no changes would probably kill the regional customer Rally2 racing - the most vital part of rallying right now.

[doubled1978]

Making Rally2 the top category with no changes would probably kill the regional customer Rally2 racing - the most vital part of rallying right now.

Why do you think that it would kill regional customer Rally2? Genuinely interested to know.

[JAM]

Why do you think that it would kill regional customer Rally2? Genuinely interested to know.

One thing is a manufacturer developing a car to costumers, looking at the costs because they have to sell it; the other completely differente is to developing a car ti ne a WRC winner, they cost limit to investe is much larger.

You could talk about cost limit ceiling, it works to buy a car, but not to buy parts or services.

[Mirek]

One thing is a manufacturer developing a car to costumers, looking at the costs because they have to sell it; the other completely differente is to developing a car ti ne a WRC winner, they cost limit to investe is much larger.

You could talk about cost limit ceiling, it works to buy a car, but not to buy parts or services.

I'd add that even the speed of the works development is unsustainable for the customers. The privateers need stability and for them fewer uppgrades coming through the season is better.

Also the upgrades are not just to buy something and install it. Most of the upgrades also require testing, building of new setups etc. It's not just a cost of the new part but a lot more.

[becher]

I've just reread the proposed changes and must say I'm confused by the top speed reduction plan to limit costs.

Aren't all top category (or second tier) cars in recent history primarily top speed limited by very short gearing? In what way other than mandating shorter ratios or a electronic limiter could they reduce the top speed and how would that save costs?

[Rallyest]

I've just reread the proposed changes and must say I'm confused by the top speed reduction plan to limit costs.

Aren't all top category (or second tier) cars in recent history primarily top speed limited by very short gearing? In what way other than mandating shorter ratios or a electronic limiter could they reduce the top speed and how would that save costs?

Only logical reason behind that i see reducing costs is maybe that engines are less on the limit and therefore there is less wear maybe?

[Eli]

I was wondering, from 2026 the cars will use the same engine (albeit with a larger restrictor) as the rally2 cars?