Abiteboul urges FIA to ponder any radical changes to WRC formula
Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul has urged the FIA to “ponder any radical changes” to the current World Rally Championship platform.
The FIA is currently evaluating the future of WRC’s top tier which has resulted in the creation of a working group headed by FIA Deputy President Robert Reid, the 2001 World Rally Championship title-winning co-driver, and 1981 WRC co-driver champion David Richards, who is the chairman of Motorsport UK. The group has been tasked to “evaluate and recommend the future direction of rallying”.
Motorsport.com understands that the future of the WRC’s main class is at the centre of the debate, with a continuation of Rally1 rules, moving to Rally2 and the creation of a Rally2 Plus class among the options being discussed. In theory, the FIA could implement changes as soon as next year.
The FIA has also launched a fan survey last week to acquire further data to help decide the pathway for the WRC, which is expected to be presented at the World Motor Sport Council on 28 February.
Hyundai has been vocal in committing to Rally1 until the conclusion of the five-year homologation cycle, anticipated to be at the end of 2026, having committed significant investment into developing its i20 N Rally1 for the next two years.
Abi