The World Motor Sport Council has confirmed long-awaited plans to include a hybrid element in future World Rally Championship regulations, with the aim of introducing it for the 2022 season.
The WMSC has approved the introduction of a new generation of WRC cars, with a five-year homologation cycle.
Manufacturers will be allowed to use a production bodyshell or a prototype tubular structure to current WRC size guidelines, while the FIA is set to define carry-over elements from production vehicles for key visual elements.
There will also be an option for ‘scaling’ of the body within prescribed limits, to allow larger cars to comply with dimension targets.
The cars will feature a supplementary hybrid system, to be comprised of common components and software for the first three years, with the potential for more technical freedom in 2024.
The aim is to enable the cars to run on pure electric power in cities and provide an electric power boost on special stages.
As well as the new cars, it was also confirmed that a sole tyre supplier will be sought for the 2021-2024 seasons for all 4WD cars across all championship classes, in the hope of preventing an escalation in tyre development.
The 2020 WRC calendar has yet to be approved and will be deferred until the end of June, with the FIA and organiser considering the potential for rotating events on a yearly basis to allow for a greater number of countries to be included, without expanding the calendar.
