The FIA has confirmed hybrid systems will be deployed to Rally2 cars with the target of homologation for 2023.
The WRC’s second-tier formula will employ an off-the-shelf mild hybrid system offering an added 10bhp through a 48-volt low-voltage starter/generator system.
An FIA communication stated: “As well as lowering emissions, the clear objective is to demonstrate how existing road-car technology can be transferred into the motorsport arena, rather than the bespoke ‘plug-in’ hybrid performance-orientated system that is being developed for Rally1.
“A set of regulations is currently being discussed by the FIA Technical Department with the aim of controlling costs and managing potential performance differentials between the different ‘off-the-shelf’ hybrid systems that will be utilized.
“Cost management will remain a key focus with cost caps for specific parts, which has proven to be an effective tool in Rally.
“The target is to have regulations ready for approval in September 2021 and it is proposed that the new-generation Rally2 Hybrid cars will be integrated into championships from 2023.”
Hybrid on Rally1 cars is scheduled to be introduced from 2022, though testing on the Compact Dynamics-designed hybrid hardware has been set back by a month to February next year.
