P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Analysis: WRC teams weigh in on Rally2 replacing Rally1 debate
A new top-tier category called Rally2 Plus, based on the Rally2 platform, is being considered by the FIA’s working group, led by Robert Reid and David Richards, to determine the future direction of rallying. Last month, a meeting was held with current WRC teams to discuss the premier class’s future. The current Rally1 hybrid regulations, which were introduced in 2022, are scheduled to continue until 2027, but there is momentum for a swift change. Some reports suggest Rally1 could be dropped by 2025, although this is unlikely. The main criticism of Rally1 is its high cost, with Rally2 cars being significantly cheaper. Possible options being discussed include continuing with Rally1 until 2026 before a major shake-up in 2027 and allowing Rally1 cars to be run without hybrid kits this year, eliminating the cost of hybrid technology.
