P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WRC teams react to FIA’s vision for the future
The governing body has unveiled a comprehensive plan with significant alterations to the WRC’s technical and sporting regulations and the championship’s promotion strategy. A daring move is the elimination of control hybrid units from Rally1 cars by the 2025 season. The current Rally1 cars will remain in competition until the end of 2026 with adjustments such as a reduction in the air restrictor and aerodynamics, pending detailed ratification in June. These modifications aim to reduce costs as the original Rally1 car’s cost was nearly €1 million, though implementing the changes for the next year may require additional initial investment. The 2026 cars will see an overlap in the introduction of new regulations, based on the Rally1 concept, with a power output of around 330 horsepower and a price cap of €400,000.
Richard Millener, the Team Principal at M-Sport Ford, expressed support for the FIA’s direction in enhancing event formats while sharing concerns about the stringent timelines outlined. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and constructive feedback to achieve common goals in the sport’s development. Acknowledging the challenges in adapting to the new technical regulations for 2025, Millener stressed the necessity for proactive planning and coordination among teams to meet the requirements effectively. Preparing for the changes within the specified timeframe will require thorough testing, development, and compliance with stringent sign-off procedures, posing a significant challenge for teams in the upcoming seasons.
