The World Rallycross Championship (World RX) has announced a significant change in its regulations for the 2024 season, allowing vehicles with internal combustion engines using sustainable fuels to compete alongside fully electric vehicles. This decision, announced after the most recent meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Baku.
World RX, which adopted a fully electric platform before the 2022 season, has experienced challenges in terms of grid size and technological diversity. Despite the impressive performance and power of the electric vehicles in the RX1e category, there has been a clear demand to maintain combustion engines, especially notable in the Euro RX championship. This decision appears to be a response to that demand, offering a new format that could increase competitiveness and interest in the championship.
For 2024, a maximum of 16 cars will be admitted, and championship points will be awarded in each qualifying race, semi-final, and final. This change in the scoring structure, along with the elimination of the SuperPole challenge, suggests an effort to level the playing field and provide a more equitable and exciting competition. Arne Dirks, managing director of Rallycross Promoter GmbH, emphasized the expectation of an exciting "Battle of Technologies," where the electrifying power of electric vehicles will face off against the passion for combustion engine cars.
The transition of World RX to a fully electric fleet was a bold step towards sustainability, highlighting the importance of innovation in motorsport. However, this latest decision recognizes that there is still a place for combustion engines, especially when powered by sustainable fuels. This not only promotes diversity in the championship but also underscores a broader approach towards sustainability, which is not exclusively limited to electric solutions.
The 2023 World RX season has been tumultuous, marked by incidents like the devastating fire at Lydden Hill. This event, which resulted in the destruction of the Lancia Delta Evo-E RXs of Special ONE Racing, posed additional challenges and affected the continuity of competition in some rounds. Such events underscore the importance of diversification and adaptability in motorsport.
Furthermore, the announcement of Hoosier Racing Tire as the sole tire supplier for all FIA rallycross categories, following a tender process, is another step towards uniformity and fair competition. It replaces Cooper, the long-time supplier, and will likely influence team strategy and performance.