FIA targets more WRC manufacturers with fee cuts and Chinese brand outreach

The FIA is implementing new financial incentives and strategic targets to expand the number of manufacturers in the World Rally Championship (WRC). To encourage participation under the upcoming WRC27 technical regulations, the FIA has approved a 50% reduction in entry fees for the Manufacturers' Championship, setting the cost at approximately 250,000 euros. This measure aims to offset development costs for the Rally2 WRC Kit, which allows WRC2 category vehicles to compete in the top tier.

FIA Deputy for Sport Malcolm Wilson has set a long-term goal of reaching six constructors by 2029. A primary component of this strategy is attracting a manufacturer from the growing Chinese automotive industry. While Toyota has committed to the 2027 rules and Ford is expected to continue through M-Sport, other brands like Hyundai and Skoda have shown limited interest in the new kit due to the requirement of entering at least two cars in every round to achieve homologation.

Wilson noted that the promoter and the FIA are actively targeting Chinese brands to diversify the championship's automotive portfolio, following the previous entry of Lynk & Co into FIA world championships.