Rally2 (ex-R5) News

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If it was up to me I would not change the cars which already compete. I would allow privately homologated cars to compete and a space frame, so as not to limit the options for the future teams to enter the series. The spaceframe can be made cheap if the panels are not made of carbon but insted from heavier glassfibre laminate. Due to the coming lack of options I would also allow using engine from another manufacturer (that also applies automatically for the private cars) because too many carmakers don't produce suitable engines anymore.

I also think that EV or hybrid could be allowed to compete but alongside the current Rally2. If some team has the desire to build an EV or hybrid let's give them the chance and the media space they need for financing. For that reason I would give them quite a big freedom of choice in terms of design. Let them do what they need and see if they can build a competitive machine.

I mean instead of fixed rules designed by big heads sitting at the FIA table let's start with mission-oriented development. The mission is to finish given rally calendar as quick and as reliably as possible with a car which is safe. Let's see if they come with something competitive and if so we can use such design as a basis for future rally cars, maybe it can be even an option for Rally1.

The switch to a spaceframe chassis for Rally 1 in 2022 was supposed to attract new manufacturers, with a re-sizing of any model they had like SUV, crossovers etc. This didn't happen.

Do you think any new manufacturer would come in with a spaceframe Rally2 car in 2027, or will it be purely private teams ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting piece on Dirtfish on the return of Lancia at Rally4 level and how Rally2 is the ideal for return on investment according to the Lancia rally guys...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/a-lan...he-fias-hands/