The FIA has announced an initiative to increase competition in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with the introduction of an upgrade kit for Rally2 vehicles. This measure will apply for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, coinciding with the implementation of the new technical regulations WRC27.
The new system aims to allow Rally2 vehicles to compete alongside the new WRC27 cars, thus increasing the number of vehicles at the elite level of rallying. The new WRC27s, which have a maximum cost of 345,000 euros, will largely rely on components from Rally2 vehicles, enabling them to offer similar performance.
Details of the upgrade kit
The kit, known as the Rally2 WRC Kit, will be priced at 7,500 euros and will be installed in Rally2 vehicles. Its purpose is to provide “greater aerodynamic parity” between the two types of vehicles. Cars that incorporate this kit will be authorized to compete alongside the WRC27 during the mentioned two seasons.
According to a statement from the FIA, “The new regulation introduces a Rally2-WRC-Kit, which can be installed in Rally2 vehicles homologated before December 31, 2026. These vehicles will only be allowed to compete alongside the WRC27 during the 2027 and 2028 seasons.”
Homologation and events
The homologation of the Rally2-WRC-Kit must be carried out exclusively by manufacturers registered for the WRC. During the first year, manufacturers must participate in all events of the WRC calendar, with a minimum of two vehicles per rally. Additionally, the total weight of vehicles with the kit is set at 1,220 kg.
The FIA has defined a clear transition period, which will end on December 31, 2028, to integrate Rally2 vehicles with the new WRC27 regulations.
Malcolm Wilson, FIA Vice President for Sport, stated that “more competition at the highest level is the driving force behind everything we are doing with WRC27”. The introduction of this kit is seen as an important step to enhance the spectacle for fans in the coming years.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
