From 2010 the World Rally Championship is in for a shake-up as the FIA has decided to switch the championship to Super 2000 regulations.
So what does this mean? Well, all WRC cars will have to meet the FIA specifications for Super 2000:
- Derived from a production model of which 2500 units have been produced in the past year
- Maximum of 2000cc displacement
- Engine must be normally aspirated with 8500rpm maximum for 4 cylinders, 8750rpm maximum for 5 cylinders and 9000rpm maximum for 6 cylinders
- All-wheel drive is permitted in rally cars (but not in touring cars)
- 6-speed sequential gearbox (Control specification) or 5-speed MT gearbox retaining original gear ratios
- Front and rear McPherson suspension
- No electronic driver aids
- Must be available for sale at a maximum of 168,000 euros.
Although it’s a big change for the teams the reasoning behind the decision is that it will cut down costs before they spiral out of control, particularly at a time when manufacturers are starting to question the amount of money they are spending on motorsport. However, it does mean that every manufacturer will have to develop and test a completely new car in time for the 2010 season.
This is really going to divide opinion amongst rally fans. Some will see it as the end of the sport, others will see it as a much-needed opportunity to pull in those manufacturers who already have S2000-based models. One thing is for sure, the WRC is struggling with just three manufacturer teams at the top level (Citroen, Ford and Subaru).
While the rally fans might be busy arguing, hot hatch fans are in for a treat as the cars you will see racing through forests and desert tracks will bear an even closer resemblance to the showroom model. The regulations favour smaller hatchbacks and currently you can see S2000 versions of the Ford Fiesta, Abarth Grande Punto, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, Peugeot 207, Toyota Auris and Opel Corsa. Hopefully this should lead to some interesting spin-off models in the showrooms.
Check out the Abarth Grande Punto S200 in action:
