2026 WRC News & Rumours

**Andre Oliveira** · Yesterday, 17:05

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

**EstWRC** · Yesterday, 17:37

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

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

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

**WRCStan** · Yesterday, 18:35

Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira

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

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.

-

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/

**Andre Oliveira** · Yesterday, 19:02

WRC27 will be like Frankenstein cars.

**WRCStan** · Yesterday, 19:09

Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira

WRC27 will be like Frankenstein cars.

[IMG]That disgraceful Project One image with the different headlights[/IMG]

**Ferranis** · Yesterday, 20:54

Originally Posted by WRCStan

[IMG]That disgraceful Project One image with the different headlights[/IMG]

I for one am a big fan of the Audi vs Lancia fight... sorry, wrong decade, I mean RMC vs RallyOne

**WRCStan** · Yesterday, 21:25

I'm a big fan of symmetry. Not...

Fonejacker Mouse photoshops are funny, that wasn't supposed to be

**Fast Eddie WRC** · Today, 14:44

According to Ogier the current Toyota drivers who have tested it are not fans of their WRC27 prototype. Plus they're struggling to make it better than the GR Yaris Rally2.

He implies he'll likely retire after 2026 as the new Rally2-spec cars dont interest him. He's just going to enjoy the Rally1 cars while he can, then probably try something completely different.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · Today, 14:52

Ogier:

“I haven’t tried the future car yet, but my team-mates don’t seem to have taken much pleasure driving it and tend to say it is slower than our Yaris Rally2,” Ogier said.

“It is still at an early stage of development, but it shows that these new regulations are a step backwards in terms of performance, and in my view that is not ideal for what is supposed to be the elite of the discipline,” he added.

“If I had to decide on my future today, I don’t think there would be one for me, but I will give myself time to see. For now, the idea is to enjoy one last time this season with these really nice cars, and at some point I will have to move on to something else.”

https://rallyjournal.com/sebastien-o...aring-the-end/

**deephouse** · Today, 17:46

And then he will still driving for another 10 years on a half programme and literally every season fight for title. He tried something else and failed. He is just not that persistent as Loeb is.