WRC Craze
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is one of the most loved forms of motorsport. Here, drivers are pitted not just against each other, but also against the elements on the off-beaten paths they drive. Over the years, the WRC has grown in popularity, with major manufacturers still investing heavily in the sport.
Toyota has built the GR brand around its rallying success, while Ford has just announced a full-time comeback to the sport. Speaking of comebacks, the FIA has just announced the 2027 WRC calendar, which includes the return of a long-lost venue.
U.S. and U.K. Comeback
In the FIA’s official announcement, the 2027 WRC season will feature a confirmed 15 rounds. The major headline is the WRC’s return to America after 38 years away. It will be the 11th round of the season, held August 26-29, 2027, with reports speculating it could take place in Knoxville, Tennessee. If that’s the final venue, the rally’s special stages are expected to run through the Appalachian Mountains.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “The 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar reflects the strong momentum behind the WRC, with new events in the United Kingdom and Italy strengthening the Championship in countries with a proud rallying heritage, while the United States gives us an exciting opportunity to grow in a country where interest in rallying continues to rise.” One major factor for the U.S. return is the momentum behind Ford’s newfound investment and return to the WRC, eager to give itself a home race.
Another returning venue is the U.K., which last hosted a round in 2019. This marks the return of a very important fan base to the WRC as a whole; the U.K. has long been a top rally destination.
FIA
New Technical Regulations
2027 will also see major changes to WRC regulations, headlined by a cost cap of $386,000 for a basic car and around $431,000 for a car with asphalt and gravel kits. This severely cuts the previous car build cost by a massive 50%, which should help the teams overall.
Manufacturers can now freely choose the body type they want to race, whether it’s sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, or even concept cars, as long as they meet the FIA standards. The 2027 regulations also accommodate various powertrain technologies, including sustainably fuelled internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and fully electric solutions.
FIA
