WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

HYBRID IS THE NEW FRONTIER

What FIA supremo Jean Todt wants, Jean Todt gets. The ex-Ferrari F1 boss, who has been leading the global motorsport governing body for the past decade, helped muscle Formula 1 towards its current hybrid engine regulations – unpopular with teams and fans alike – while also putting his full support behind Formula E. His next targets for an electric future are the world’s rally stages, and the WRC.

A new rule set is due to be introduced in 2022 through to 2025, which will introduce hybrid technology to the fastest cars on dirt. Technical regulations are a long way from being finalised, but initial talks have mooted a ‘supplementary hybrid system’ with control components and software. The proposed hybrid units would allow WRC cars, which will retain the 2017 aero and engine package, to run as full EVs on transit stages, while providing a power boost on competitive special stages. Following 2025, the plan is to open up the rules to allow manufacturers to use their own electric systems.

Although Citroen threatened to pull out of the WRC at the end of 2020 if there was no electric technology in future rules, manufacturer support for the move to hybrids has been lacking. A former rally co-driver himself, Todt lambasted manufacturers for stalling talks about the new regulations, and looks set to strongarm organisers into adopting an electrified future. The forests of Finland are about to get a little quieter.