In 2022, the WRC allowed the use of hybrid cars in Rally1, but it seems that this will not last long. According to the latest information, the World Rally Championship is returning to internal combustion engines with a focus on e-fuels or hydrogen to reduce costs.

This decision applies to the Rally1 class, and all cars will use only sustainable fuels, without the use of electric motors. Thanks to this change, the cars will be lighter. “The current Rally1 car continues to be the WRC’s flagship in 2025 and 2026, but with modifications that will reduce costs and performance. These changes include the removal of the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, and performance will be compensated by a reduction in overall mass,” it said. from the FIA.

The new regulations, which will apply from 2026, will limit the differences between teams so that cars will be limited to around 330 hp (246 kW), will use the same safety cell to reduce cost and complexity, and each car will be priced limited to 400,000 euros.

This does not mean the complete elimination of electromotors from the WRC as the FIA is currently working on creating a category for electric cars only.

Source: Autocar, Photo: FIA