The FIA World Rally Championship Commission has revealed an updated version of its WRC27 technical regulations – to be presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month – which include a new chapter relating to bodywork. This includes requirements for sustainable materials, homologation criteria and the definition and shape of inner volumes, with freedom surrounding this volume to allow manufacturers and constructors to create their designs with unprecedented levels of flexibility.
The updated WRC27 regulations were discussed at a meeting on May 8 – held via videoconference and chaired by commission president Pernilla Solberg – that followed discussions at the sporting and technical working group level, as well as between all current manufacturers, the FIA and World Rally Championship (WRC) promoter.
Technical regulations for 2027
Drafted details of the technical regulations for 2027 were presented to the commission, specifically regarding how areas of cars outlined within the regulations are defined, and the reorganization of the articles relating to the engine control system and electronics.
The inclusion of a new chapter relating to bodywork is a core feature of WRC27 and one that is designed to encourage both manufacturers and constructors to compete in the series.
The meeting also announced that chassis study and crash test simulations are already ongoing, and the anticipated dates for real-world crash tests are in July and August of this year.
These refinements are currently being finalized and will be presented to the commission for approval before the final approval at the World Motor Sport Council in June.
Solberg said, “We have had a strong start to the 2025 WRC season across a fantastic range of different events, and the work has been equally strong between these events in our working groups to make progress across key areas of our regulations and safety matters.
“The refinements we are working through on the WRC27 technical regulations will allow us to make more detailed communication in the coming months about the exciting new era that was defined at the end of last year.”
Update on sustainable fuel tender for 2026-2028
The FIA Technical Department also presented an update on the progress of the tender for the single-supply of sustainable fuel to the FIA WRC from 2026-2028, with the submissions currently under analysis by the Commission. A further session is planned for the coming weeks before the final proposal is submitted for approval to the next World Motor Sport Council in June.
In related news, ructions in the upper echelons of the FIA have continued, with the resignation of the deputy president for motorsport, Robert Reid. Click here to read the full story
