The FIA finalizes the technical rules for the 2027 WRC: Cost limits, new designs, and increased safety shape the future of the World Rally Championship
The drafting of the new technical regulations for the World Rally Championship (WRC), which are set to come into force in 2027, is entering its decisive phase. Another important step towards finalizing the rules is expected during the summer break.
Since the presentation of the ten-year plan for the top rally category in December last year, the FIA, the world governing body for motor sports, has been working on the details of the “WRC27” regulations. The aim is to make the vehicles cheaper, more flexible and more attractive to new manufacturers and teams.
The new vehicles will be based on a cost limit of €345,000, have around 300 hp and be built on a tubular space frame with Rally2 technology. Expensive materials such as carbon fiber will be largely restricted in order to reduce costs. At the same time, the safety level will be higher than in the current Rally1 cars.
Crash tests with roll cages by the end of August
At the start of 2027, Rally2 cars will still compete alongside the new WRC27 cars in the top class, but in the long term, the new vehicles will replace the Rally2 cars. In addition to manufacturers, tuners will also be allowed to design chassis and their own bodywork.
In June, the FIA approved the corresponding bodywork regulations, which allow for a wide variety of designs – from sedans and hatchbacks to crossovers and one-offs. The new vehicles will be 20 millimeters higher than the current Rally1 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 using CFD analysis. The aim is to achieve a uniform solution for all vehicles with a safety level close to that of Rally1 cars, but at significantly lower cost.
“Technically, everything is ready. Anyone who wants to build a car has all the information they need,” explained FIA Technical Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon. “We just want to confirm that the design offers the expected level of safety and represents a significant improvement over Rally2.”
Engine question still open
For the 2027 launch, the regulations initially only provide for conventional combustion engines. Homologated, turbocharged Rally2 engines will form the basis. 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 in order to start a project.
Although there are plans to open up to alternative powertrains, the timing has not yet been decided. “The framework for alternative technologies is included in the regulations, but a final decision has not yet been made,” explained FIA Director of Racing Emilia Abel.
