Following the announcement of the arrival of the hybrid era to the World Rally Championship (WCR) 2022, details are beginning to emerge about the format of the races for this traditional event, which has decided to adopt the new trends in sustainability.
This week, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the organizers of the competition informed that specific electric zones will be designated during the days, in which all teams will have to follow the established route.
The chosen sectors near the service parks and ceremonial start areas will be highlighted in the road book at all rounds in 2022. Rally1 crews will be required to travel with their new generation plug-in hybrid cars in electric format.
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Being able to run in all-electric mode is a key component of the innovative new Rally1 cars, which will be introduced to the WRC early next year, and this capability will be showcased as often as possible.
What will the Regulations look like?
Hybrid electric vehicle zones will vary in distance, taking into account local conditions. The location of each space will be agreed between the event organizer and the WRC Promoter and ratified by the FIA.
In the event of any crew not following the route, this must be reported to the stewards of the event. If a crew is unable to use the electric mode due to a technical problem, the crews must announce this to the Federation before entering the sector. A report will still be sent to the stewards for possible action depending on the nature of the fault.
Technical elements
To bring everything in line with the new regulations, the Rally1 machinery will feature special identification graphics to allow fans and officials to differentiate the HY vehicles from the conventionally powered cars participating in the same event.
Red ‘HY’ lettering on a white background will be placed next to the front door panel, as well as a red, rather than black, background for the competition number.
Spectator safety will be further enhanced next season with the introduction of new in-car technology in Rally1 cars.
A safety camera with artificial intelligence will be mandatory on all top-level hybrid cars. A forward-facing device will be fitted to scan special stages and analyze the position of spectators, with the aim of helping FIA safety delegate Michele Mouton identify unsafe viewing locations.
All the measures were approved by the World Motor Sport Council, where it also agreed to a revision of the Wolf Power Stage bonus points system for WRC2 drivers next year.
Written by I Jhonattan González
