Hyundai Rally2 kit could lift the South Korean marque into WRC’s top tier in 2027.
New FIA Initiative Levels the Playing Field
At last week’s World Motor Sport Council, the FIA unveiled a €7,500 upgrade kit aimed at bringing Rally2 cars closer to the forthcoming 2027 WRC27 specifications. The kit modifies the front fenders, front bumper, rear aerodynamic element and trims the minimum weight by ten kilograms.
Even as the regulator pushes for greater aerodynamic parity, the concept insists that a manufacturer adopt the kit must field a minimum of two cars in every round of the 2027 season. The scheme is a calculated effort to increase grid size after Hyundai and M‑Sport declined to bring new WRC27 engines to the calendar.
Hyundai’s Calculated Pause on the Upgrade
Hyundai’s Sporting Director Andrew Wheatley said the brand is still evaluating how the technical package meshes with sporting regulations. “Our top priority is 2026,” Wheatley stated on Motorsport.com. “The Rally2 upgrade is a secondary focus until the full rule‑set is clear.”
Wheatley also acknowledged the time crunch: “With six months to the 2027 season, we’re too late to fully optimise a kit,” he admitted. “However, making a kit is manageable; the challenge lies in translating small aerodynamic changes into a performance win.”
Driver Reactions and Future Plans
Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux have outlined their uncertainty over the 2027 roadmap. Neuville said the future of Hyundai’s Rally1 programme is “very open” pending decisions from the new WRC promoter and the kit’s feasibility. Fourmaux echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the kit could serve as a short‑term bridge should manufacturers commit to 2027 rules.
Neither driver has committed to staying with Hyundai if the brand opts out of a new WRC27 chassis. Their comments underscore how manufacturer choices impact top‑tier line‑ups.
M‑Sport Eyes the Kit as a Transitional Step
M‑Sport’s Richard Millener hinted that Ford might pursue the kit for its Fiesta Rally2 to remain eligible for the WRC top class while the club develops a new WRC27 car. Millener highlighted the kit’s “wow” factor: “Removing ten kilos from a car always delivers a spike in performance. Aero tweaks can tip the balance.”
Millener added that the kit offers a “bridge” amid uncertain long‑term developments, noting that the FIA’s plan should encourage other rally‑2 manufacturers to lock in to the 2027 framework.
Key Kit Benefits (In Brief)
- Front fender upgrades
- Front bumper redesign
- Rear aerodynamic device addition
- Weight reduction of 10 kg
Skoda and Lancia Await Final Answers
Neither Skoda Motorsport nor Lancia has publicly confirmed whether it will adopt the Rally2 kit. Their silence suggests a wait‑and‑see approach while reviewing the kit’s performance impact and compliance obligations.
With the decision looming and the 2027 season on the horizon, manufacturers must weigh the cost and developmental effort against the promise of staying competitive in world rally’s premier category.
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