Within the motorsport discipline of rallying, Group Rally1 is a formula of rally car specifications for use at the highest level of international rallying in the World Rally Championship (WRC) as determined by the FIA.
Despite the use of the word 'Group' in the name, there are not multiple classes or subclasses of car and so 'Rally1' may be used alone with the same definition.
Rally1 cars will be used for the first time in the 2022 WRC season and will replace the outgoing World Rally Car used in the manufacturer's championship.
Though they may run on any individual rally as permitted by the organiser, they will not be used in any other championship.
The calls for new cars were made by the existing WRC competing manufacturers to reflect both changes in consumer marketing preferences, such as advancements in technology, and the need to reduce costs to make competing sustainable.
The move to a new formula of car was approved in June 2018 along with a complete overhaul of cars and championships in the Rally Pyramid.
Regulations
Rally1 cars are defined in Article 262 of Appendix J of the International Sporting Code.
The cars have two radical new features for rally cars in the World Rally Championship, the first being hybrid electric power units in use for the first time.
The second, less obvious feature is that Rally1 cars are not needed to be homologated in Group A or N and have no series production car requirement, however they must be identifiable as being based on a series production model.
Tubular space frame structures are permitted allowing for scaling of production models whilst production bodyshells will also be permitted as tradition.
They will also feature common safety cell structures, centrally designed in partnership with the FIA.
The existing 380hp 1.6L global race engine will continue to be used.
Other key features will include:
synthetic fuels, claimed to be sustainable and renewable
Artificial Intelligence Safety Cameras (AISC), to monitor the special stage for safety purpose, eg.
out of place spectators
less complex suspension with reduced travel
a reduction from 6 to 5 speed gearboxes, in common with Rally2 cars including the removal of 'flappy-paddle' gear shifters
removal of the active central differential altogether
ban on liquid cooled brakes
simplified fuel tank shape
simplified turbo
removal of the fresh air valve in the anti lag system
removal of some aerodynamic components
The changes to aerodynamics will remove expensive and commonly damaged parts such as the rear diffuser.
Hidden ducts for cooling purposes will be banned.
Hybrid system
The hybrid electric power system will be supplied to all teams by a third party, Compact Dynamics, incorporating a battery supplied by Kreisel Electric.
It will be used to power the cars in 100% electric zones on liaison sections as set in the rally roadbook by the rally organiser.
On the special stages it will also provide a boost of about 100 KW or 134 hp alongside the combustion engine and will recuperate kinetic energy.
The driver will have three options to choose from to deploy the boost, with a further three options to choose on how to recuperate energy from the engine.
The driver must set these options before a special stage and will not be able to choose when to deploy the electric boost within the stage.
The hybrid electric system will add an extra 84kg to the cars gross weight and due to its 750-volts the cars will wear HY identification, with white letters on a red background, on the door panel.
Crews will also be required to carry high voltage gloves to use in the event of an issue.
FIA Competition
Rally1 cars will only be permitted in the World Rally Championship where entered by the manufacturer teams.
The cars may appear on individual rallies where entered by the manufacturers but not under a championship point-scoring situation.
In new Global Rally Rankings for drivers and co-drivers being introduced in 2022, Rally1 cars have a Group Co-efficient of 1.0.
Eligibility in FIA Championships 2022
Cars
No Rally1 cars have been homologated yet but Toyota Gazoo Racing, M-Sport and Hyundai Motorsport are all committed to enter cars in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and all are developing and testing prototypes.
Notes
References
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