Hello rally fans :)!
There’s been a lot of talking lately about the FIA’s plan for the 2027 WRC regulations and let’s just say, we’re all watching watching closely👀.
The new framework is expected to be finalized by August of 2025, and we now know that 2026 will be the last season under the current rules!! Like every year, big changes are coming not just to the WRC1 cars, but to the entire WRC rally world.
The FIA has already confirmed they’ll be redesigning the whole structure, with a goal of bringing everything (including cost, performance, and sustainability) into better balance (much much needed.. cuz remember there’s a round in Japan and the crews aren’t allowed test there). Which, honestly, sounds pretty good to me!! The sport does need some good changes to keep things competitive and exciting, especially if we want to see more manufacturers get involved and make rallying what it once was and maybe even more. Having 3 top WRC1 teams is cool but we all know it’s the same drivers that rotate in that category. This way they would open the door for more teams and make it more accessible for privateers :)!
But of course, no regulation talk would be complete without Hyundai drama or Cyril drama if you wish😆.
If you’re not aware Cyril Abiteboul is Hyundai’s team principal :)!
As I’ve mentioned before, Hyundai has made it very clear: if the new rules don’t align with what they want, they’re out. Supposedly of course lol. But here’s the thing; I’ve seen WRC survive just fine without Hyundai before, and it’ll survive again if it comes to that ;). I like Hyundai as a team (helloooo, Korea in my heart 4L), but pleaseeeee let’s be real: if Cyril Abiteboul doesn’t like the direction of WRC, he can leave. Leave the drivers out of it (unless they’re on Team Cyril, in which case… bye🤣!). There are plenty of other teams who would love a spot at the top table👏🏻🙌🏻.
Also, can someone please explain to me how Hyundai is simultaneously pulling out of WRC and not pulling out of WRC? One minute they’re focusing on endurance racing, the next minute they’re saying that doesn’t mean WRC is over. Cyril, please we’re all begging you pick a storyline and stick to it, for the sake of all of us trying to follow along without a flowchart🤣. This isn’t a Netflix drama (although maybe it should be at this point, heck Hyundai does have good production of videos..).
In the meantime, I’ll be over here rooting for a regulation package that’s smart, sustainable, and exciting and maybe just a little less drama filled cuz tbh I’m living for the friendships of drivers :). I’m excited to see what kind of tech and philosophy they’ll bring into the new era, and if this ends up attracting new manufacturers, I’m all for it👏🏻.
But again, this is rally. So I’m not holding my breath on that last part😅
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for upvoting, reblogging & commenting. It is greatly appreciated :)❤️!
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