P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision
The FIA has announced plans for affordable upgrade kits for Rally2 cars next year in order to decrease the performance gap between Rally2 and Rally1 cars, pricing the kits at around €5,000. These kits will include a larger exhaust, modified aerodynamics, a bigger air restrictor, and a paddle-shift gearbox. The goal behind this initiative, according to former WRC team boss David Richards, is to allow Rally2 car owners to compete at a level closer to that of Rally1 cars before the new Rally1 car regulations take effect in 2026. Toyota has recently entered the Rally2 category with its GR Yaris Rally2 customer car, aimed at bolstering the competitiveness at the top end of the WRC field for rally wins. Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala sees the potential benefits of the regulations but requires more details before committing to developing a kit for the GR Yaris Rally2 car, stressing the importance of ensuring parity between Rally1 and Rally2 Plus cars for fair competition.
