The WRC made the move to introduce hybrid power with its Rally1 regulations last year which coincided with a pioneering decision to adopt 100% sustainable fuel, provided by P1 Racing Fuels.
However, the championship’s long-term future from 2027 and beyond has prompted the FIA to investigate a range of propulsion methods to future-proof the championship and align it with the automotive market. Full electric (EV), hydrogen power and synthetic fuel have all been considered as options.
The current set of Rally1 regulations is largely to remain until 2026, subject to the agreement of a new deal with hybrid unit supplier Compact Dynamics, which initially signed a contract until the end of 2024.
While 2027’s regulations are yet to be formalised, a move to full electric or hydrogen power is “very unlikely” according to FIA Road Sport Director Andrew Whateley.
“After [2026] is the next discussion and hybrid is a key part of that," Wheatley told Autosport. “The discussion for 2027 is how much engine versus how much hybrid power.
“There is not a discussion of no hybrid, it is a discussion of how do we make it work. Does the amount of ICE use come down 10% or 20%, or does the hybrid go up 30% or 50%? I don’t think it will be 50-50.
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“There has to be an element of electrification at the top class and that will be the bit that differentiates it from Rally2.
“From the perspective of the manufacturers, an element of electrification is not a key element but part of the mix.
Source: Autosport