WRC mainclass from 2027

**deephouse** · Today, 04:12

So Rally2 cars couldn't be evolved and is strict that the class will die? WRC car never evolved from 1997 to 2016 (or WRC+ further until Rally1)? Right now it seems that everyone is waiting except Toyota and maybe Project Rally One (I'm still very doubtful that this will ever work). But if even after promotor s*it will be clear that there will not be interest, I think Toyota could: 1. Go with Rally2 as all others or 2. Completely left the sport

**becher** · Today, 10:14

I'm not saying Rally2 will definitely die, but look at the road car market. How many around 4 meter long cars that aren't unreasonably fat crossovers with square meters of surplus sheet metal in the bodyshell are still on sale? How many will be left by 2030? And how many of those are from manufacturers that look in any way even only a tiny bit interested in rallying at the top?

**Fast Eddie WRC** · Today, 10:35

Originally Posted by deephouse

Right now it seems that everyone is waiting except Toyota and maybe Project Rally One (I'm still very doubtful that this will ever work). But if even after promotor s*it will be clear that there will not be interest, I think Toyota could: 1. Go with Rally2 as all others or 2. Completely left the sport

Toyota is almost carrying rally and WRC with their commitment and investment in the sport.

But although this is commendable it can also be a negative due to their superiority. Many drivers are already switching to their Yaris Rally2 car and the same wil likely happen with their WRC27 (Celica). Who is going to risk €345,O00 on an unproven Project Rally One car when there's a Toyota to buy ?

**focus206** · Today, 11:00

Originally Posted by becher

I'm not saying Rally2 will definitely die, but look at the road car market. How many around 4 meter long cars that aren't unreasonably fat crossovers with square meters of surplus sheet metal in the bodyshell are still on sale? How many will be left by 2030? And how many of those are from manufacturers that look in any way even only a tiny bit interested in rallying at the top?

Are we sure that those smaller size cars won't return? I've heard people (not rally fans) complain about how the market is filled with those crossovers and SUVs, never heard anybody say the opposite.
In the top 10 of best selling cars in Italy in 2025 we have Panda, Clio, 208 and Yaris. 4/10 is quite a lot, considering those smaller cars are the minority now. If we look at what's on the road, then more than 4/10 are smaller cars. And the best selling model for Skoda is the Fabia, ahead of all their crossovers and SUVs.
Every country is different, but surely in some other places it must be similar?

**theracingelf** · Today, 12:10

I think many people are kind of missing the point of WRC27. Yes it's a replacement for the Rally1 cars but's ALSO a replacement for the Rally2 cars.

The Lancia will probably be the last ever homologated Rally2 car, they are slowly going to be phased out over the coming years in favour of the WRC27 cars.

**becher** · Today, 12:29

Originally Posted by focus206

Are we sure that those smaller size cars won't return? I've heard people (not rally fans) complain about how the market is filled with those crossovers and SUVs, never heard anybody say the opposite.
In the top 10 of best selling cars in Italy in 2025 we have Panda, Clio, 208 and Yaris. 4/10 is quite a lot, considering those smaller cars are the minority now. If we look at what's on the road, then more than 4/10 are smaller cars. And the best selling model for Skoda is the Fabia, ahead of all their crossovers and SUVs.
Every country is different, but surely in some other places it must be similar?

That is true and I'd certainly hope we get normal cars back, but the current safety regulations make small cars less and less profitable.

You can charge a lot more for a crossover that in terms of development and production cost little to nothing more than a normal car.

And I also think it is dangerous to look at stuff like this from within the own automotive bubble and people influenced directly by this bubble. Normal non car people seemingly either want a "city Stupid Useless Vehicle" because a normal small car can't go on the motorway (obviously BS but I've heard stuff like this from technical "idiots") or wrongly precived additional safety (=> antisocial, anti pedestrian safety), or they just don't care and get what the market offers which even second hand is increasingly Stupid Useless Vehicles.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · Today, 12:52

Sadly but human nature says that bigger is better and safer transport for your family. They once asked a very remote tribe which vehicle they'd choose for their family, a supermini or a big SUV... ofc they picked the SUV.

2027> is going to a very tricky transitional time for rally, both with the new cars slow to arrive and the 1000s of Rally2 cars out there, including the very recent and competitive Yaris & Skoda and new Lancia.

**focus206** · Today, 13:43

Originally Posted by becher

Normal non car people seemingly either want a "city Stupid Useless Vehicle" because a normal small car can't go on the motorway (obviously BS but I've heard stuff like this from technical "idiots") or wrongly precived additional safety (=> antisocial, anti pedestrian safety), or they just don't care and get what the market offers which even second hand is increasingly Stupid Useless Vehicles.

Curious, I didn't expect that. What I've heard around here from non-car enthusiasts has usually been "I want a smaller car because it's easier to park, cheaper and more fuel efficient" (which often translates into Panda or Clio). And I live in a town where parking is always available, when I go into cities I still see plenty of Citroen C1 size cars.

I guess it's hard to make a European level ratio of liking for smaller cars vs SUVs. But if the people who prefer smaller cars are still a good number, it would be weird if no manufacturer plans to make some smaller car to get those customers and fill the void.

**OldF** · Today, 13:59

Originally Posted by PLuto

Skoda will not have official team. And will not build new car for highest category (at least in first year, later maybe as it will not be allowed to build new Rally2 car according to current results).

Do you know anything about this?

By WRCWings Prospeed will use Skoda’s parts. WRC27 regulations are valid for ten years but what if Skoda isn’t there for ten years.

(https://www.wrcwings.tech/2026/02/02...eds-rally-one/
“The mechanical base of the Prospeed’s Rally One will entirely come from the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.”

**Rallyper** · Today, 14:52

Originally Posted by OldF

Do you know anything about this?

By WRCWings Prospeed will use Skoda’s parts. WRC27 regulations are valid for ten years but what if Skoda isn’t there for ten years.

(https://www.wrcwings.tech/2026/02/02...eds-rally-one/
“The mechanical base of the Prospeed’s Rally One will entirely come from the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.”

Hello OldF.
Been a while, I think.
Welcome back.