Following the invitation to tender, the FIA has appointed ORECA Group as official and exclusive supplier of FIA R4-Kits Rally Cars for the next three seasons.
As part of the latest World Motor Sport Council, the FIA has approved a new homologation for four-wheel-drive cars with the approval of R4-kit technical regulations. Dedicated for both national and regional FIA championships, this kit has been designed around a new approach, making the R4 class more dynamic. ORECA Group has been commissioned to become the official and exclusive supplier of this kit which will be introduced in the 2017 season.
The FIA R4-kit is universal and can adapt to all types of production vehicle, offering contenders a wide range of possibilities, with a potential implication of brands and/or importers. In addition to the diversity of models, it is possible to enter many different championships, whether national or continental, driving on any surface, whether gravel or asphalt. Oreca states that whilst the R4-kit is spec, there is still some technical freedom within the chassis for individual teams to ‘apply and demonstrate their know-how and bring true added value’.
“With our experience in rallying, including as part of WRC-2 and WRC-3 most recent seasons, we have a good view of the different cars’ performances and characteristics,” explained David Floury Oreca’s technology director. “That has enabled us to design a R4-kit which can fill an actual gap in the current rallying scene, namely at a level just under the R5 class but significantly higher than the R3. Thanks to our different entries as a team, we are also aware of what’s needed in terms of operations and thus reliability. The R4-kit is an interesting study with a clear request and we’re bringing our know-how to the table in engineering but also as engine manufacturer with our engine department in Magny-Cours, as well as our expertise in terms of customer-teams. It’s a comprehensive offer.”
