Hello rally fans :)!
If you remember, few days ago I wrote the post about Hyundai testing their car ahead of Rally Japan without the hybrid.. well;
Yesterday, FIA has officially announced (and confirmed the ongoing speculations) that Rally1 cars in the World Rally Championship (WRC) will no longer feature hybrid systems starting from the 2025 season. This marks a temporary shift in the sport’s push toward sustainable technologies as it focuses on developing broader technologies and ideas for the future.
Hybrid technology, introduced in 2022, brought exciting dynamics to the competition. Drivers (WRC1) had access to bursts of electric power during stages, adding strategic depth and thrilling moments for spectators. However, the system also faced criticism for its high costs, reliability issues, and logistical challenges, questioning the FIA to reassess it’ss role in the championship. *for all I recall there was always someone facing issues with the hybrid😆
For 2025, Rally1 cars will rely solely on their 1.6-liter turbocharged engines. Apart from that, since there won’t be a hybrid battery anymore the weight of the car will be lighter for 80 kilograms. And the air restrictor will be reduced by 1 millimeter to compensate for power loss. While this move may appear to roll back the clock (looking at it reasonably), it is designed to reduce costs, ease the technical burden on teams, and open the gates for more manufacturers to join the Top Class. The FIA has emphasized that this is a transitional step, as they aim to reintroduce hybrid technology or alternative powertrains like hydrogen and synthetic fuels in a more refined form in the future.
I personally, loved the hybrids😛. Although the hybrid era was not without its challenges, it showcased the WRC’s ambition to embrace change. This decision provides an opportunity for the sport to regroup and come back stronger with solutions that align better with global environmental goals. It it fun while it lasted :)
For further details, you can read the FIA’s full announcement here.
Photo credit goes to FIA.