The World Rally Championship unveiled its new generation of hybrid Rally1 cars from the three manufacturers before the opening round of the 2022 season at Rallye Monte-Carlo (Jan. 20 – 23).
In the presence of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, reigning champions Toyota Gazoo Racing, Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford revealed their all-new cars which will compete across 13 rounds on four continents.
In the championship’s 50th season, the WRC will undergo major environmental changes as new FIA technical regulations drive the series towards a more sustainable future, the series said.
The new plug-in hybrid challengers blend a 100kW electric motor with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine, which has powered the sport’s top-tier cars since 2011 and is built around an upgraded safety cell chassis.
The package raises peak performance levels to more than 500 horsepower while also reducing emissions.
President Ben Sulayem, a former WRC competitor himself, said: “Today’s launch of the new Rally1 era is a very proud and significant moment for the FIA and entire rally family and I would like to congratulate WRC Promoter for delivering a great show at the start of the championship’s 50th anniversary season.
“The enthusiasm for the FIA’s new technical regulations has been very much in evidence in recent months and the event further underlined the momentum coming from the teams and manufacturers, with Rallye Monte-Carlo just a few days away.
“Beside the hybrid technology adding a new dynamic layer of performance combined with safety improvements, Rally1 cars will be using 100 per cent sustainable fuel and work is also ongoing to achieve greater sustainability in the organization of each round of the series. I look forward to an exciting season.”
