World Rally Championship hybrid supplier Compact Dynamics has told DirtFish it ‘regrets’ the FIA’s decision to end the use of its systems in Rally1 cars following next week’s Rally Japan.
Compact Dynamics was understood to have agreed terms to supply hybrid componentry for the WRC until the end of the current homologation cycle in 2026 – an agreement reached with series stakeholders in September last year. Friday’s announcement that hybrid won’t form part of the WRC’s future into 2025 came following an electronic vote from the World Motor Sport Council.
DirtFish understands the thinking behind that decision came as a result of the Munich firm changing the way the hybrid systems would be serviced – a change which would impact negatively on the teams’ budgets.
Reacting to the news, Compact Dynamics managing director Johannes Kloetzl told DirtFish: “Compact Dynamics regrets the decision by the FIA and the WRC to phase out hybrid technology.
“We started [in] 2022 with the aim of using our hybrid system to drive the further development of sustainable powertrains in racing. We share the FIA’s mission to make racing affordable and accessible and recognise the economic concerns of the WRC teams.
“At the same time, we can never prioritise economics and profitability over the safety of drivers, teams and uninvolved [sic] people.
“Compact Dynamics is proud and grateful to have been part of the WRC for three years. We would like to thank everyone involved for their constructive co-operation and wish everybody in the WRC universe a successful future.”
Next week’s Rally Japan will bring to a close Compact Dynamics’ three-year history in the WRC.
