October 22nd 2026

Cross-country rally set for major technical evolution under FIA long-term roadmaps

The FIA has outlined plans for the next generation of Ultimate and Challenger vehicles in its Cross-Country Rally Championships, including the World Rally-Raid Championship, alongside proposed changes to the World Championship’s sporting regulations.

The roadmap establishes a phased introduction of new technical regulations for the discipline’s top category, with a focus on improved safety, long-term cost control and greater flexibility for manufacturers. The new generation of vehicles will feature an enhanced safety cell designed by the FIA, increased protection and space for crews, and provision for alternative powertrain technologies, while retaining the current four-wheel-drive and front-engine concept.

Development and validation of the new chassis design will take place in 2027, informed by an analysis of current vehicles and supported by crash testing. The technical regulations will be finalized in 2028. The new vehicles will be permitted to compete in the Experimental Group from 2029, ahead of becoming mandatory for factory drivers in the 2030 World Rally-Raid Championship. The regulations will establish a 10-year vehicle lifecycle.

The FIA has also outlined its Challenger 2029 roadmap, aimed at reducing costs, improving reliability and strengthening the category’s position as a development pathway toward Ultimate. The new regulations will introduce reinforced safety structures, closed bodywork and a wider choice of engines up to 1,620cc turbo, while implementing measures to control vehicle development and operating costs.

Technical regulations for the new Challenger vehicles are targeted for 2027, with an introduction into the Experimental Group planned for 2028, ahead of eligibility to score championship points from 2029.

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