The World Rally Championship is on the brink of a groundbreaking revolution as the FIA gives the green light to updated bodywork rules for the 2027 season. The latest technical regulations for the highly anticipated 2027 WRC season were a hot topic at the recent World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau. These new regulations are set to shake up the championship and attract a wave of manufacturers and entrants.
One of the key highlights of the updated rules revolves around bodywork specifications, emphasizing the use of sustainable materials, homologation criteria, and the design of inner volumes. Manufacturers and constructors will have the freedom to unleash their creativity within defined parameters, paving the way for a diverse range of car designs on the track.
With a cost cap of €345,000 in place, the 2027 cars are expected to deliver similar performance to the current Rally1 vehicles but with Rally2 internal combustion engines and componentry. The flexibility in chassis construction is poised to open doors for tuners and original engine manufacturers to showcase their skills. Excitingly, at least two tuners are already in the works on new projects, hinting at the innovation that lies ahead.
The FIA’s recent approval of the updated bodywork regulations marks a significant step towards the full implementation of the WRC27 ruleset. By offering a glimpse of a 2027 chassis, the FIA is setting the stage for a new era in the World Rally Championship. The regulations are designed to promote flexibility and innovation, allowing for a wide range of car types to compete over the next decade.
Despite the progress, there are still final details to be ironed out by the end of August, raising concerns among current WRC teams. Crash test simulations and real-world tests are already underway, with Hyundai and M-Sport yet to commit to building cars for the 2027 season. Hyundai, in particular, is advocating for more road car relevant technology to be integrated into the regulations, urging for further discussions with the FIA to align on the future direction of the sport.
As the WRC braces for a transformative period, team principals like Cyril Abiteboul from Hyundai and Richard Millener from M-Sport are carefully evaluating the regulations to make informed decisions about their participation. While challenges and uncertainties remain, there is an air of optimism among key figures like Toyota’s team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who sees the 2027 rules as a positive step forward for the championship.
