The FIA has approved changes to the WRC regulations for the new year, most notably the addition of mandatory breaks between races and new criteria for test rallies.
A few days before the WRC grand finale in Saudi Arabia, the FIA has begun working feverishly ahead of the new year that is set to begin in Monte Carlo next January. In an electronic vote that took place today, some changes were approved regarding the framework of the regulations for 2026.
Following a request from teams and drivers regarding the length of the events this year, a new rule has been introduced that sets the minimum rest hours for WRC events. Under the new rule, the rest hours for the entire rally will be equal to the total duration, with the exception of the first day. The daily periods when crews will charge their batteries in preparation for the next leg cannot be less than ten hours. This measure aims to ensure greater consistency across all events, which will also affect judges and volunteers.
The next change that has been given the green light by the FIA is a new framework for candidate rallies that seek to be added later to the calendar. Specifically, they must be held before the year of their inclusion and at least nine months before the scheduled date. Furthermore, their structure should be based on a national or regional competition, while the judges, heads of security and medical personnel must be the same individuals who are intended to enter each competition.
Hyundai recently decided not to register Ott Tanak for points as the 2019 champion was a breath away from violating the engine change limit. The FIA has approved an amendment that clarifies the conditions under which drivers can change their power unit. All other crews can do this with the exception of those in the premier class, whose points will count towards the manufacturers’. However, if a replacement is made after the start of the race, then they will receive a one-hour penalty.
In addition, the duration of the intermediate service will be reduced from 40 minutes to 30. For safety reasons, any crew that is more than ten minutes late after the last competitor can bypass it and re-enter it via a bypass road. In this case, a notional time will be given. Finally, drivers in categories P2, P3, P4 and non-priority drivers will make a maximum of two passes in the shakedown.
