The World Rally Championship (WRC) will now go through some major changes in 2025, with no longer using plug-in hybrid systems at the top of the changing list.
The updated cars will use 1.6-litre turbocharged internal combustion engines. These engines produce about 380 bhp and 45 kgm of torque. Power is sent through a five-speed sequential gearbox to a permanent all-wheel-drive system.
To balance performance without the hybrid system, key adjustments are planned.
The minimum weight will now drop from 1,260 kg to 1,180 kg, and the air restrictor size will shrink from 36 mm to 35 mm.
The cars will continue running on 100 per cent fossil-free fuel, with sustainability at the top of the priority list.
At the ORLEN 80th Rally Poland, Mārtiņš Sesks demonstrated a proof of concept while driving a hybrid-free Ford Puma. He achieved top-three stage times and held second place during his Rally1 debut.
The current WRC leaderboard adds another layer of shock and awe to this season. Thierry Neuville leads the Drivers’ Championship with 225 points. Ott Tänak follows with 200, and Elfyn Evans is third with 185. Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT leads the Manufacturers’ Championship with 526 points, ahead of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT at 511.
The Rally Japan finale promises a thrilling conclusion to this season. Not as much as MotoGP, but… I may just be wrong!
