FIA confirms WRC27 framework and introduces new Rally6 category
The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved further provisions for the 2027 World Rally Championship, covering participation, category structures and points allocation. The FIA has also introduced homologation and technical regulations for Rally6 cars, establishing a new entry-level category in the rally pyramid.
Ready for WRC27
The new regulations formally establish the Rally1 category, which will comprise new-specification WRC cars built to the WRC27 technical regulations, and WRC kit cars, based on existing Rally2 machinery fitted with an approved aerodynamic upgrade kit comprising new front fenders, a front bumper and a rear aerodynamic device. Both specifications will compete within the same top category of the championship from 2027.
From 2027, a new Rally1 category and revised championship structure will be introduced. The Manufacturers’ Championship will be replaced by a Constructors’ Championship, open to automotive manufacturers and independent tuners. Constructors must compete in every round to be eligible for the title.
A new WRC Teams’ Championship will also be established, contested over seven nominated events, including a compulsory overseas round and the final event of the season to be eligible for the championship title. The Constructors’ and WRC Teams’ Championships will be open exclusively to cars competing in the Rally1 category.
The championship will also retain its support categories for drivers, with WRC2, WRC3 and the WRC Masters Cup continuing in 2027.
In addition, the maximum turbo restrictor diameter for the the new-specification Rally1 cars and WRC kit cars will increase from 32mm to 33mm, providing increased engine performance across both specifications competing in the Rally1 category.
The FIA will be able to introduce technical or sporting measures to maintain performance differences between vehicle classes during the 2027 and 2028 seasons. This will support the transition as new-specification Rally1 cars compete alongside upgraded WRC kit cars.
Grassroots Rally 6 category added to rally pyramid
The new Rally6 category aims to make competitive rallying more affordable. Based largely on the FFSA’s FR6 regulations, it builds on the category’s existing implementation in France.
The new two-wheel-drive cars will be based on production four-seater vehicles, powered by either a standard 1.6-liter turbocharged or 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, producing a weight-to-power ratio of 7.5kg/hp (that is, 140hp for 1,050kg).
To keep purchase and running costs low, the regulations will use production-derived components, including brakes and tires, alongside conventional H-pattern gearboxes and non-adjustable competition shock absorbers, while maintaining safety standards equivalent to Rally5 kit cars.
The FIA Regional Rally Championships will also undergo their most extensive sporting regulation updates in nearly a decade, following dedicated consultations with the clubs involved. The revisions aim to simplify and harmonize regulations across the championships, bringing them in line with current operational practices.
Organizational requirements will also be simplified. Organizers will now be required to adopt updated FIA Regional Rally Championships brand guidelines, including new championship logos featuring greater FIA prominence.
For more Industry News, please Click Here
For more Industry News, please Click Here
