WRC to adapt hybrid tech for the next three years

Hyundai, Toyota and M-Sport Ford WRC manufacturers sign up for a new hybrid era. Hyundai Motorsport has already confirmed their plug-in hybrid rally car that will debut in the season of 2022.

First announced in 2019, WRC Promoter, FIA and manufacturers have now received a confirmation from the World Motor Sport Council that WRC will adapt hybrid powertrains for the Rally1 Category. The switch from the internal combustion engine to the plug-in hybrid has been approved after undergoing crash-testing for the new safety cells. Safety, cost management and sustainability have been the priority for FIA. 'In this joint initiative, the FIA and WRC  teams are committing equally to the development of the hybrid technology,' FIA further added. The agreement also includes an equal contribution from the FIA and manufacturers towards the development cost of new technology. The hybrid tech will be provided by a German manufacturer, Compact Dynamics – the same manufacturer that provides electrical solutions for Formula 1, Formula E and Endurance Racing.

The battery pack and motor provided by Compact Dynamics will add up to 130bhp to the current power output of 380bhp. The total power bump will be above 500bhp, however, the teams will be advised to use the e-boost with a limiter that could be pre-set by the organiser for every stage. Hyundai Motorsports has confirmed that the upcoming plug-in hybrid will be inculcated in their i20 road-car which will be their challenger for the coming season. While Toyota and M-Sport Ford have pledged to the new amendments, it is unclear at the moment which cars will the respective companies will be using.

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