Rally1

2022–2026

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 characteristic is that Rally1 cars are not needed to be homologated in Group A or N and have no series production car requirement with being 'Category II' purpose-built competition vehicles. However, they must be identifiable as being based on a series production model. Tubular space frame chassis are permitted, whereas production bodyshells are permitted as tradition. They also feature common safety cell structures, centrally designed in partnership with the FIA. The existing 386 PS 1.6 l global race engine continues to be used.

Other key features 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 remove expensive and commonly damaged parts such as the rear diffuser. Hidden ducts for cooling purposes are banned.

Hybrid system

The hybrid electric power system is supplied to all teams by a third party, Compact Dynamics, incorporating a battery supplied by Kreisel Electric. It is 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 also provides a boost of up to 100 kW or 136 PS alongside the combustion engine and recuperates kinetic energy under braking. 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 under braking. The driver must set these options before a special stage and are not able to choose when to deploy the electric boost within the stage. The hybrid electric system adds an extra 84 kg 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 are also required to carry high voltage gloves to use in the event of an issue.

The use of hybrid power was discontinued in 2025 as teams felt that the cost of repairing damaged units was becoming too expensive.

WRC27 (2027–)

New regulations were created ahead of the 2027 season to encourage greater participation. Initially called 'WRC27', the cars are to use a standard FIA developed chassis onto which body panels can be fixed, with established Rally2 specification powertrain and components inside. This philosophy was intended to cut development time and costs required. Further, the rules allow bespoke designs, severing a link with production car manufacturers that had been central to rallying and the WRC series since its inception in 1973. Reflecting this, the WRC Championship for Manufacturers is to be renamed the Championship for Constructors from 2027.

Toyota Gazoo Racing were the first to announce a new Rally1 build, beginning testing in 2026. Independent Belgian racing company, Prospeed, also announced their Project Rally One ambition in 2025 and also began testing in 2026. The company having previously been involved in circuit racing primarily with Porsches, become the first constructor of the new regulations that was not previously a car builder. They were also the first to publicly launch their car, albeit without a name, in September 2026.

In April 2026, a third constructor announced intention to build a car to the regulations, WRT Rally1 Spain, a collaboration between Spanish motorsport company RMC Motorsport and the Spanish national motorsport federation, RFEDA.

In October 2026, Ford announced that they would return to the championship as a 'full factory team', partnering with M-Sport to build a Rally1 for use in the 2029 season.

Rally1 cars are only permitted in the World Rally Championship and when entered by the manufacturer teams. The cars may appear on other individual rallies when entered by the manufacturers but not under a championship point-scoring situation.