R-Classes News

[navtheace]

I have to say I'm impressed. They managed to make the R5 Fiesta look just like a Fiesta.

??

The Fiesta R5 looks closer to a Fiesta WRC than a Fiesta. I think you mean Fiesta R200 looks just like a Fiesta, as the rules for R1, 2, 3 do not permit body kitting.

Here is Malcolm Wilsons take on the Fiesta R5 for the WRC.com feature
World Rally Championship - News - Wilson: New R5 a big step forward

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I was being facetious.

To the man on the street, the R5 Fiesta looks like every other rallying Fiesta. The external changes are there, but they're mostly cosmetic. It's the stuff under the skin that counts.

[navtheace]

I was being facetious.

To the man on the street, the R5 Fiesta looks like every other rallying Fiesta. The external changes are there, but they're mostly cosmetic. It's the stuff under the skin that counts.

Got ya!

Always difficult to know the style of conversation when just reading the words from not hearing the voice of the person.

[Hazza555)]

Got ya!

Always difficult to know the style of conversation when just reading the words from not hearing the voice of the person.

The inherent problem of the internet. Sometimes there just isn't an emoticon to express your tone

[navtheace]

R classes were set up as like a comparable to GpA, ie no changes to driven wheels, engine induction and bodywork from road car. Yet R5 is not like that at present.

Coming back to R3, any news on the new Fiesta 1.6 turbo road car to be homologated into an R3T car?

[Mirek]

R classes were set up as like a comparable to GpA, ie no changes to driven wheels, engine induction and bodywork from road car. Yet R5 is not like that at present.

No, it wasn't. Since the start it was meant to allow larger modifications for stronger engines, i.e. R1 is smallest engine and the least modifications, R2 is bigger engine and more modifications, R3 even bigger engine and even larger modifications etc. R5 is a logical peak of the pyramid.

[Sulland]

Is there a plan for a new R4 class? The current R4 class is not in sync with the rest.

And do we see any signs on that the old Japanese brands Subaru and Mistubishi are on their way in again for the R classes, apart from the current R4?
Toyota is planned back, but how far are they?

[vino_93]

Is Mitsubishi interested in rally anymore ? no.
Are in general manufacturers interested in developping cars not allowed to win races in WRC or ERC ? No. So ... you can do all the regulation you want, if only 3 or 4 manufacturers are interesting in selling rally cars ... you'll have any more cars.

Maybe if local teams can develop himself some cars corresponding to FIA regulation you would have more R4 (and R3, R2, R1 ...).

[WUff1]

Well Mitsubishi is the basic car of every local rally. So they won´t dissappear too soon, as there is no successor.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Is there a plan for a new R4 class? The current R4 class is not in sync with the rest.

My understanding is that R4 will eventually be discontinued altogether. It's more a class to put current cars that don't fit in under any other Group R regulations than anything else.