WRC 2027: FIA takes important step towards new regulations

(Motorsport-Total.com) - The development of the new technical regulations for the World Rally Championship (WRC), which are scheduled to come into force in 2027, is entering its decisive phase. Another important step toward finalizing the rules is expected during the summer break.

Since presenting the ten-year plan for the top rally category in December of last year, the FIA has been working on the details of the "WRC27" regulations. The goal is to make the vehicles more affordable, more flexible, and more attractive to new manufacturers and teams.

The new cars will be based on a cost cap of €345,000, produce around 300 hp, and be built on a tubular space frame with Rally2 technology. Expensive materials such as carbon fiber will be largely restricted to reduce costs. At the same time, the safety level is expected to be higher than that of current Rally1 cars.

Crash tests with the roll cages until the end of August

At the start of the 2027 season, Rally2 cars will still compete alongside the new WRC27 cars in the top class; in the long term, the new vehicles are intended to replace the Rally2 cars. In addition to manufacturers, tuners are also allowed to construct chassis and design their own bodies.

The FIA adopted the corresponding bodywork regulations in June , allowing for a wide range of designs – from sedans and hatchbacks to crossovers and one-offs. The new vehicles will be 20 millimeters taller than the current Rally 1 cars, retain a similar width, and weigh 1,230 kilograms.

With the adoption of the bodywork regulations, the FIA is now focusing on finalizing the roll cage design. Crash tests are planned for the end of August, supported by a German company with CFD analyses. The goal is a uniform solution for all cars with a safety level close to that of Rally 1 cars, but at significantly lower cost.

"Technically, everything is ready; anyone who wants to build a car has all the information," explained FIA Technical Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon. "We just want to confirm that the design offers the expected safety and represents a significant improvement over Rally2."

Engine question still open

For the start of the 2027 season, the regulations initially only allow for conventional combustion engines. These will be based on homologated, turbocharged Rally2 engines. At the same time, the FIA is examining whether manufacturers and tuners can be given the option of using production-based engines.

While Toyota is already working on a concept for 2027, M-Sport Ford and Hyundai have not yet made a final decision. Hyundai is cautious about the current wording of the rules. Technical Director Francois-Xavier Demaison emphasized that the company needs more technological freedom in the powertrain area to launch a project.

Although an opening to alternative powertrains is planned, the timing has not yet been determined. "The framework for alternative technologies is included in the regulations, but a final decision has not yet been made," explained FIA Racing Director Emilia Abel.