WRC mainclass from 2027

[Maui J.]

Interesting article on Dirtfish about Hayden Paddon running his own team under WRC2027 regulations.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/paddo...t-as-a-driver/

The most interesting part was this quote...
“These new rules that have been announced for ‘27 are definitely of interest and definitely create opportunities for people like us to potentially build and run our own cars,” Paddon told DirtFish.

So if the FIA has dropped the manufacturers consent/homolagation rules this will open up the potential for private teams/tuners like Paddon's to build and run their own cars. Not sure what he would build though, he has strong connections with Hyundai New Zealand so that would conflict with the current factory team (if they are still involved by then). Maybe KIA, as it comes under the Hyundai umbrella.

On this same topic, what ever happened to the large building Petter Solberg build? There were rumours that he was going to build his own cars. Back in 2020 he's quoted as saying he was in talks with two manufactures to build and run their cars but I think Covid put an end to that. Any updates on this?

[deephouse]

Interesting article on Dirtfish about Hayden Paddon running his own team under WRC2027 regulations.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/paddo...t-as-a-driver/

The most interesting part was this quote...
“These new rules that have been announced for ‘27 are definitely of interest and definitely create opportunities for people like us to potentially build and run our own cars,” Paddon told DirtFish.

So if the FIA has dropped the manufacturers consent/homolagation rules this will open up the potential for private teams/tuners like Paddon's to build and run their own cars. Not sure what he would build though, he has strong connections with Hyundai New Zealand so that would conflict with the current factory team (if they are still involved by then). Maybe KIA, as it comes under the Hyundai umbrella.

On this same topic, what ever happened to the large building Petter Solberg build? There were rumours that he was going to build his own cars. Back in 2020 he's quoted as saying he was in talks with two manufactures to build and run their cars but I think Covid put an end to that. Any updates on this?

Guess that Toyota happens. I think he was aiming at Subaru and all that talk around them at that time. Still fingers crossed that it's possible.

About Hayden. If Hyundai will leave he could take over their "project" and being in charge of Hyundai in rallying at the top level. But I don't think that will be Neuville there since their stormy past. Joke aside.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Still a lot of uncertainty and discussions to be had, says Rich Millener.

Also getting new cars ready for 2027 and at €345k is ambitious, plus new Manufacturers not guaranteed.

https://rallyjournal.com/wrc-team-bo...-be-had-there/

[saco0o]

the americans are also trying to do something about their top class. Not sure a 200k is the answer for them tho.....

https://dirtfish.com/rally/ara/detai...6juLMDydjjnKyA

[Dimitris]

They're making a 2nd class car that costs almost as much as a Rally2. No thanks.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala confirms Rally2 will be the only option if/when Hyundai withdraws:

https://rallyjournal.com/jari-matti-...McccB4s0_6sXpw

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latest from Dirtfish....

"At a media roundtable on the eve of this week’s Rally Islas Canarias, FIA chief technical officer Xavier Mestelan Pinon revealed that “all the last details” of the bodywork will not be signed off until August – just 16 months before the new regulations will be introduced."

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/timef...-finalization/

[becher]

So it's a spec series then. Not worthy of world championship.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So it's a spec series then. Not worthy of world championship.

Only the spaceframe, everything to hang on it isn't specified, much like Rally1 but considerably cheaper using Rally2 level parts.

[saco0o]

as long as R5s are still on 'the same levels' for a few years, then its fine. because its not everybody who have the money to build/buy these new spaceframe + aerokit cars, right? if they dont extend the lifetime of the R5s, we may cause a little crisis where less people will buy them because "they will not be able to race them by 2027" (outside national championships, probably)