TOP MAKES COMMIT TO WRC’S NEW HYBRID FUTURE
The World Rally Championship’s 50th anniversary season in 2022 will begin with the three existing manufacturers taking part in Rally1 cars as the sport’s hybrid era gets underway.
Hyundai, M-Sport Ford and Toyota have committed to the series until 2024 after jointly contributing to the development costs of the hybrid kit and enhanced safety measures.
Governing body the FIA has matched the trio’s investment and all four will own a licence, which can be sold on in the future.
It is the first time in WRC history that manufacturers have made multi-year commitments to the championship in unison, with FIA rally department chief Yves Matton widely regarded as the architect behind the four-way partnership.
His boss, FIA president Jean Todt, said: “A switch to plug-in hybrid power reflects the latest trends in the automotive industry, at the same time making the sport more sustainable.
“This was made possible owing to the joint efforts of the manufacturers and the FIA. The fact that all three of the brands currently involved in the championship committed for a further three years proves that world rallying is heading in the right direction.”
In addition to launching the WRC’s hybrid era, the FIA has launched tender processes for sustainable fuel supply and sustainable energy supply to event service parks.
Meanwhile, the final safety cell specification used in all Rally1 cars follows the completion of the physical crash testing phase. The cell features a double hoop for increased roll protection and also strengthened door bars for improved side impact protection.
By making its commitment, M-Sport is safeguarding a number of jobs at its Cumbria HQ. Company founder Malcolm Wilson said the introduction of the hybrid era was “integral to the continuation of our successful partnership with Ford and safeguards the immediate future of M-Sport in the WRC.”