Photo: wrc.com
But a situation where a team that is not a car manufacturer builds their own car and wins the WRC with it has never happened until now. In fact, it was not allowed at all until now. But all this will change in 2027.
Loeb in ‘Kronos Racing’. Photo: Petr Lusk
Fowler speaks from an important position, as Toyota is currently the only manufacturer known to be developing an all-new Rally1 car that will meet the 2027 technical regulations. This means that in the future Toyota Rally1’s competitors could be not only other car manufacturers, but also private projects, such as Project Rally One led by Yves Mayton.
Toyota is testing the new car
Foto: DirtFish
Manufacturer Mercedes (left) has been battling constructor Red Bull for several years
A similar trend is expected in the WRC, even if it could be very difficult for a constructor to beat a major car manufacturer. “At the moment it looks very difficult to come in and immediately reach the performance level of the manufacturers, but the rules are designed to make it possible.” said Fowler. ”Just like in other types of motor sports. Rallying is one of the last forms of motorsport where manufacturers still have an edge over others. However, as we see in F-1, some teams are manufacturers and others are not. But non-manufacturer teams are also able to achieve very good results, and even championship titles. Therefore, in my opinion, it is only a matter of time before the rally moves completely in this direction.”
