The World Motor Sport Council agreed to a WRC Commission proposal for Rally1 cars to compete on WRC events without running the standard plug-in hybrid system.
Instead, they will have to carry the equivalent weight of the full EV system in ballast and won’t be eligible for manufacturers’ championship points.
Running without the 100kW Compact Dynamics hybrid unit will result in a reduction of approximately 100 horsepower compared to a 500 horsepower hybrid-powered Rally1 car.
However, it will also offer reduction in costs for competitors and also opens the doors for Rally1 cars to compete in regional rallies.
FIA road sport director Andrew Wheately believes the decision will help bridge the gap between Rally2 and Rally1.
“The option for drivers to compete in Rally1 cars without the hybrid unit now exists,” said Wheately.
“It essentially creates a step between Rally2 and Rally1 and it’s something the manufacturers have supported.”
The decision is among a raft of changes ratified for the WRC season, including a move to limit teams to using a maximum of three new hybrid units in 2024 – compared to the previous nine - to reduce the cost of competing.
Source: Autosport