ELECTRIC FUTURE CONFIRMED FOR WRX
Fi a rubber stamps switch for 2020 competition
Plans for the World Rallycross Championship to switch to electric cars for 2020 were approved by the World Motor Sport Council at a meeting in the Philippines last week.
Motorsport News first revealed plans of the switch last August. In addition to manufacturer entries, privateers will be eligible to take part, the WMSC having announced that privateer entrants will be able to homologate their own cars using the same common singlemake battery and chassis that every constructor in the series will use.
However, instead of using an existing road car body, privateers will design their own body work using a “generic car model” from the FIA. Invitations to tender for the common chassis and battery were issued in February.
Williams Advanced Engineering has been designated battery supplier, while French firm ORECA will develop and supply the carbon monocoque chassis.
Manufacturers and privateers will install their own powertrain into the four-wheel-drive chassis, based on regulations “derived from those applicable for Formula E cars, with some restrictions aimed at controlling costs and development,” said a WMSC statement.
As expected, cars will use a pair of motors, one on each axle, producing 500kw. Entries into the series will be restricted to two-car teams, eligible to compete for drivers’ and manufacturers’ World Championships.
The “four best results among cars from each manufacturer per event to count towards the Manufacturers’ Championship classification,” states the WMSC, suggesting a team structure similar to DTM could be used, where a manufacturer runs multiple cars through separate two-car outfits. Privateers will be eligible for a Team Trophy.
The closing date for manufacturers to sign up for the new series is July 30.