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Hyundai WRC Manager Christian Loriaux: 2027 Technical Regulation Timeline ‘Unrealistic’

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Hyundai WRC Manager Christian Loriaux: 2027 Technical Regulation Timeline ‘Unrealistic’

Ott Tänak (EST) and Martin Järveoja (EST) of team HYUNDAI SHELL MOBIS WORLD RALLY TEAM seen during the World Rally Championship in Toyota city, Japan on November 23, 2024. // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411230306 // Usage for editorial use only //

Hyundai’s World Rally Championship (WRC) program manager Christian Loriaux has issued a stark warning about the feasibility of introducing new technical regulations by 2027, citing significant challenges in development timelines, engine compliance, and cost caps.


Proposed 2027 Regulations: An Ambitious Overhaul

The 2027 WRC regulations aim to retain space frame chassis while integrating components from the current Rally2 ruleset, such as engines, transmissions, and brakes. A major shift includes replacing MacPherson struts with double wishbone suspension. Additionally, the new regulations will lean on road-going production engines to comply with stricter Euro 7 emissions standards.

However, despite the proposed framework, full technical regulations are yet to be finalized, leaving teams unable to commence development. By comparison, M-Sport began working on the Ford Puma Rally1 two years ahead of its debut under the current regulations cycle.


Loriaux: “A 2027 Rollout Is Unrealistic”

Loriaux has expressed concerns over the compressed timeline for implementing the new regulations, calling the current targets “impossible to meet.”

“You need a final regulation before you can start working on the car. We don’t have a final regulation, we have a concept,” Loriaux said. He warned that rushing to meet a 2027 deadline could lead to significant complications: “If you wait until the end of 2026 to say, ‘Oh no, it’s not possible for 2027,’ then what do you do? You end up rushing everything.”

Loriaux emphasized the importance of planning for a more realistic debut in 2028 to ensure sufficient time for car and engine development.


Challenges with Engine Regulations

A key obstacle lies in the reliance on Rally2 engines, which may not be viable under Euro 7 emissions standards set to take effect by 2028. These engines, based on current production models, will struggle to meet the stricter compliance requirements and remain viable for the entirety of the next regulatory cycle.

“The engine regulation is not good enough because we’re talking about 2027, and they try to base it on saying, ‘Oh, but we can stick to Rally2 regs.’ We can’t,” Loriaux explained. “You need engines that are good from 2028 to 2032. That’s not there.”


Cost Cap Concerns

Loriaux also criticized the proposed cost cap of €345,000 per car, calling it unrealistic for teams to adhere to while meeting the ambitious technical demands of the new regulations.

“The cost is ridiculous; it’s impossible to do it with the cost they’re talking about,” Loriaux said. He argued that balancing the engine regulations, cost constraints, and a realistic timeline should be the priorities moving forward.


A Call for Realism and Coordination

Loriaux’s comments highlight the urgent need for clarity and feasibility in the WRC’s regulatory plans. Teams require finalized regulations and a realistic development schedule to avoid rushed designs and cost overruns.

“Sorting the engine issue, reviewing the cost, and adopting a realistic timescale—those are the main things that need to happen,” Loriaux concluded.


What’s Next for WRC?

As the WRC grapples with the challenges of transitioning to the next generation of regulations, the spotlight is on the FIA to address these concerns. Balancing innovation, sustainability, and cost-efficiency will be key to ensuring the sport’s future competitiveness and relevance.

A delayed debut in 2028 may provide the breathing room needed for teams to align with the new regulations without compromising on quality or compliance. For now, the clock is ticking on finalizing a framework that satisfies both manufacturers and fans.

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