Chinese Manufacturer Joins the WRC Vision
FIA Deputy Malcolm Wilson said the federation’s next‑phase agenda includes luring a Chinese automaker to the World Rally Championship.
“That’s a clear target,” Wilson confirmed, adding the promotion is fully aware that “we want a Chinese manufacturer.”
The goal aligns with the FIA’s longer‑term plan to expand constructor numbers and introduce radical technical regulations from 2027.
Constructor Numbers and Regs: 2027 Outlook
Since 2020 the top‑tier WRC has featured Toyota, Hyundai and Ford through M‑Sport’s semi‑works arrangement.
All three brands have committed to the impending 2027 rules; RMC Motorsport and Project Rally One will craft every new chassis.
M‑Sport is slated to keep representing Ford with an updated Fiesta Rally2 platform.
Having six constructors by 2029 would mark “great progress,” Wilson said to Motorsport.com, underscoring the FIA’s focus on a diverse automotive portfolio.
Chinese Momentum in Motorsport
Lynk & Co became the first Chinese brand to enter an FIA world championship when its TCR Tourer raced for Cyan Racing in 2019, followed by Geely Auto’s Pre‑face in the TCR World Tour.
Xavier Mestelan Pinon, FIA technical director, noted the factory‑level presence of three Chinese manufacturers in the FIA’s manufacturer committee—a recent development.
He also mentioned two other brands in discussions to join, signalling the industry’s proximity to championship‑level activity.
During a Ducati‑hosted meeting in Dakar, FIA road sport director Emilia Abel reported that Chinese manufacturers expressed impressive interest, further reinforcing the sector’s enthusiasm for motorsport.
China Eyes Hosting a WRC Round
China last hosted a WRC rally in 1999, which was won by Didier Auriol in a Toyota.
In 2016 a planned round was aborted due to storms, but Wilson said “that’s possible” for a future Chinese event.
Two local stakeholders have reportedly requested the opportunity to stage a WRC round, a prospect that could add a new venue to the calendar.
"