Motor Sports Council Approve WRC Recommendations

The meeting formed part of the 2023 FIA General Assemblies Week, hosted by the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation (AAF) and the City of Baku.In summarizing the 2023 season, Robert Reid said:

‍“As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of challenge and achievement. A year of delivery on our pledge of robust governance and adding expertise to our management structure.‍“We continue to bring clarity to all our decision making as we seek to put the federation on a firm footing for the future. On the sporting side, we have seen strict adherence to sporting and technical regulations across all categories. ‍“In terms of finances, we have again reduced our operating deficit while streamlining our accounting processes. ‍“We have reached an important milestone in our United Against Online Abuse Campaign with the participation of 22 international federations in our recent barometer survey. ‍“As a Federation, we continue to deliver on our mission of being the global voice of motor sport, serving the needs of our Member Clubs and increasing our competitor base worldwide.”

‍The following is a summary of decisions taken at today’s meeting:

FIA World Rally ChampionshipFollowing the announcement yesterday of the creation of a working group to evaluate and recommend the future direction of rallying, Robert Reid stated that the work has now started with meetings already taking place with WMSC members and ASN representatives this week in Baku.

The WMSC has approved the recommendation of the WRC Commission to appoint Hankook as the official tyre partner and supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship for a three-year deal starting in 2025. This decision follows a detailed tendering process launched by the FIA in July based on criteria such as the supplier’s capabilities, sustainability, technical quality, cost per tyre and marketing. Hankook will replace Pirelli whose WRC single supplier deal will conclude at the end of the 2024 campaign.

The principles of a new format for the attribution of championship points for Manufacturers, Drivers and Co-Drivers have been approved with the aim to enhance excitement and competitiveness, especially on Sunday. The details and balance of the points per day will be confirmed by the WMSC Task Force at a later stage.

With the objective to significantly reduce costs, a maximum of three new hybrid units per season will be allowed in 2025 and 2026 for Rally1 cars entered to score points in the Manufacturers’ Championship, instead of nine.

In regard to promotion, P1 crews will complete a minimum of two passages of the shakedown, while the third pass will be available for a media or VIP passenger ride determined by WRC Promoter to offer greater exposure opportunities to the championship.

Based on feedback from competitors, P2 crews will now be allowed to use route note cars and a different start order on Friday will be implemented to avoid discrepancies with P1 drivers.