NEXT-GEN WRC CARS REVEALED

The next generation of World Rally Championship cars has ditched the camouflage and been revealed for the first time in their competition liveries.

All three manufacturers joined in Salzburg’s landmark Hangar-7 to launch season 2022, showcasing the brand new Rally1 spec cars in full.

In the presence of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former WRC competitor himself, reigning champions Toyota Gazoo Racing, Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford revealed their stunning all-new cars which will compete across 13 rounds on four continents.

“Today’s launch of the new Rally1 era is a very proud and significant moment for the FIA and entire rally family and I would like to congratulate WRC Promoter for delivering a great show at the start of the championship’s 50th anniversary season.” said Sulayem.

“The enthusiasm for the FIA’s new technical regulations has been very much in evidence in recent months and the event further underlined the momentum coming from the teams and manufacturers, with Rallye Monte-Carlo just a few days away.”

“Beside the hybrid technology adding a new dynamic layer of performance combined with safety improvements, Rally1 cars will be using 100 per cent sustainable fuel and work is also ongoing to achieve greater sustainability in the organisation of each round of the series.”

“I look forward to an exciting season!”

Toyota’s Rally1 spec WRC livery

Among the others to attend the season launch event were Toyota’s 2021 championship runner-up Elfyn Evans and team-mate Kalle Rovanperä, who became the youngest WRC rally winner in history last season.

Also present were Hyundai lead drivers Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak. New M-Sport Ford signing Craig Breen appeared alongside the team’s hotly-tipped youngster, Adrien Fourmaux.

Red Bull backed M-Sport Ford Puma

In the championship’s 50th season, the WRC will undergo major environmental changes as new FIA technical regulations move the series towards a more sustainable future.

Plug-in hybrid-powered cars built around an upgraded safety cell chassis, 100 per cent fossil-free fuel and sustainable energy supplies are key to the sport’s commitment to a greener future.

Hyundai’s colours for 2022

The new hybrid challengers blend a 100kW electric motor with a competition-proven 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which has powered the sport’s top-tier cars since 2011.

The package raises peak performance levels to more than 500hp whilst also reducing harmful emissions.

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