Jari-Matti Latvala, Cyril Abiteboul and Malcolm Wilson agree with FIA's decision to retain the Rally1 cars until the end of 2026 which means that the next two years will be a transition period for the sport.
FIA announced yesterday after the end of the World Motor Council that the Rally1 and the Rally2 cars will remain unchanged for the two coming years while the regulations for 2027 and beyond will be discussed further on the next World Motor Council on December. However, it must be mentioned that FIA delayed to confirm to the WRC teams if there would be Rally1 minor or Rally2 plus cars for 2025 and waited until the World Motor Council which was held a day ago. There were many concerns from the teams and the drivers as the new cars seemed to be less driveable with the less aerodynamics and the decreased rear air restrictor combined with the removal of the hybrid unit. For instance, Elfyn Evans was not happy at all with the behavior of the new Yaris as he tested it in Croatia two months ago whereas Cyril Abiteboul stated that Hyundai did not have the intention to build a new car, used only the simulator for the new i20N and was focused on developing further the current i20N. Last but not least, it must be mentioned that Alpine has expressed its interest to join WRC if it goes full-electric whereas there is some positive news from Lancia's side as the Italian car brand will debut an Ypsilon HF Rally4 car next year and is working on gaining mileage for returning back to the top class.
"We have a very solid commitment to the World Rally Championship, and we are really supportive of a continued collaborative approach to ensure the strongest competition for all of us", Jari-Matti Latvala said.
Moreover, Cyril Abiteboul stated: "We have worked very closely together with the FIA over the past months and while we all believe that stability of the technical regulations for 2025 and 2026 is the right thing, the very substantial steps made on the governance will provide for a more unified and positive approach towards the short term improvements and long term breakthroughs that we all agree the sport needs".
Finally, Malcolm Wilson said: "This is a really positive step for us in the coming years.
"We have seen some good proposals on the promotion side, on the marketing side and the plans for event operations and now the work to make those things happen needs to start, and with a consistent proposition on the technical side, I think the scope is there to achieve our ambitious targets for the WRC".
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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