# FIA efforts to attract Chinese automotive manufacturers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fia-efforts-to-attract-chinese-automotive-manufacturers
> Updated: 2026-09-11T20:40:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The FIA is pursuing strategies to expand manufacturer participation across its premier racing series, with a specific focus on attracting brands from the Chinese automotive industry.

In the World Rally Championship (WRC), the FIA has introduced financial incentives to encourage more constructors to join under the WRC27 technical regulations. This includes a 50% reduction in entry fees for the Manufacturers’ Championship to help offset development costs. FIA Deputy for Sport Malcolm Wilson stated a goal of reaching six constructors by 2029, noting that the organization is actively targeting Chinese brands to diversify the championship’s portfolio.

Parallel efforts are being considered for Formula 1. FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem indicated that the governing body may open a process to add a 12th team to the grid. Ben Sulayem expressed a preference for a Chinese manufacturer to enter the sport, confirming meetings with representatives from BYD and Geely. He emphasized that any new entrant must adhere to all existing regulations without specific changes made to accommodate them.

## Claims

- FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem stated that a potential 12th Formula 1 team should be from China. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The FIA is considering opening a process for a 12th team on the Formula 1 grid. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- BYD and Geely have both expressed interest in participating in Formula 1. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cadillac joined the grid as the 11th team following a 2023 application process. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Any new team must follow existing Formula 1 regulations without regulatory changes to facilitate entry. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: FIA considers adding 12th Formula 1 team from China

FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem suggests a 12th Formula 1 team could be added, specifically targeting Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Geely to expand the grid.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fia-considers-adding-12th-formula-1-team-from-china

### 2026-08-24: FIA targets more WRC manufacturers with fee cuts and Chinese brand outreach

The FIA is cutting WRC entry fees by 50% and targeting Chinese manufacturers to increase the number of constructors to six by 2029.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fia-targets-more-wrc-manufacturers-with-fee-cuts-and-chinese-brand-outreach

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Cite as: FIA efforts to attract Chinese automotive manufacturers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fia-efforts-to-attract-chinese-automotive-manufacturers