World Rally Championship 2027: Technical Regulations Update
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is nearing completion of the updated technical regulations for the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027. These refinements to the WRC27 regulations were a key topic at a recent WRC Commission meeting and are slated for presentation to the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month in Macau.
Key Updates to WRC27 Regulations
- Bodywork: The most significant update involves a new chapter dedicated to bodywork, emphasizing enduring materials, homologation criteria, and the definition of inner volumes.
- Engine Control System and Electronics: Reorganization of articles related to the engine control system and electronics has been presented.
- flexibility in Design: Manufacturers and constructors will have unprecedented levels of flexibility in creating their designs.
The Vision for WRC’s Future
The FIA outlined the framework for the WRC’s 2027 regulations last December, anchoring the championship’s future on cars built to a cost cap of €345,000. This initiative aims to attract more manufacturers and teams by offering a more accessible entry point.
Did you know? The €345,000 cost cap is designed to make WRC more attractive to smaller teams and privateers, fostering greater competition.
The vehicles are expected to deliver performance similar to the current Rally1 cars, but will be based around spaceframe chassis using Rally2 internal combustion engines and componentry. Chassis construction will be open to both tuners and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the cars will be able to accommodate various body types.
Industry Response and Timeline
Teams have been pressing the FIA for more detailed regulations, given the tight timeframe leading up to 2027. The final details were initially expected by the end of August. However, the FIA is working diligently to address concerns and finalize the regulations.
Hyundai has requested changes to allow more road car-relevant technology to be showcased, indicating some friction among current manufacturers.
FIA’s Viewpoint
according to the FIA, the new regulations aim to provide clarity and encourage participation.
Following recent meetings between the FIA and technical representatives of each manufacturer,further drafted details to the technical regulations for 2027 were presented to the commission,specifically regarding how areas of cars outlined within the regulations are defined and the reorganisation of the articles relating to the engine control system and electronics.
FIA Statement
The FIA also emphasized the design freedom afforded by the new regulations:
The biggest update was the inclusion of a new chapter relating to bodywork, including requirements for sustainable materials, homologation criteria and the definition and shape of inner volumes, with freedom surrounding this volume to allow manufacturers and constructors to create their designs with unprecedented levels of flexibility. This is a core feature of WRC27 and one that is designed to encourage both manufacturers and constructors to compete in the series.
FIA Statement
Ongoing Testing and Approvals
Chassis study and crash test simulations are underway, with real-world crash tests expected in July and August. These tests are crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of the new car designs.
Commission President’s Remarks
WRC Commission president Pernilla Solberg highlighted the progress made in key areas of regulations and safety.
We have had a strong start to the 2025 WRC season across a fantastic range of different events, and the work has been equally strong between these events in our working groups to make progress across key areas of our regulations and safety matters.
Pernilla Solberg, WRC Commission President
Solberg also noted the importance of the refinements to the WRC27 technical regulations.
The refinements we are working through on the WRC27 technical regulations will allow us to make more detailed communication in the coming months about the exciting new era that was defined at the end of last year.
Pernilla Solberg,WRC Commission President
Sustainable Fuel Supplier
The FIA’s technical department provided an update on the tender process to select the WRC’s sustainable fuel supplier from 2026-2028. TotalEnergies stepped in as the fuel supplier beginning at last month’s Rally Islas Canarias after P1 Performance Fuels went into administration.
Pro Tip: Sustainable fuels are a key component of the WRC’s future, aligning with global environmental goals and showcasing eco-friendly technologies.
Tender submissions are being analyzed by the WRC Commission before final proposals are submitted for approval at the next World Motor Sport Council meeting.
Improving Rally Schedules
The WRC Commission announced plans to implement changes next year to improve rally schedules and reduce pressure on employees. The WRC Promoter has generated a report,currently under review,following a comprehensive review of working hours and pressures.
The FIA,WRC Promoter,and competitors plan to create guidelines for event organizers to improve practices when creating itineraries and schedules,aiming to reduce pressure on employees.
For event organisers to better advise and inform on improving practices when creating itineraries and the schedule of the rally week…[to] reduce the pressure on employees working within the championship.
FIA statement
