The striking new illustration of a WRC car in 2017 above heralds a new era of exhilaration for the sport. The FIA World Motor Sport Council in Mexico City has approved exciting outline principles of the technical regulations for 2017, with a whole raft of changes that are really going to spice things up.
It looks aggressive with a new aerodynamic package that includes a bigger rear wing and uprated engine power to 380 hp. This is due to an increase in the turbo restrictor size to 36 mm.
The cars will also be bigger due to a 55 mm increase in the permitted width and a greater overhang at the front and rear. Interestingly, electronically-controlled centre differential will also be returning to the sport, and they will be 25 kg lighter.
FIA chiefs are quick to stress that the changes are evolutionary rather that revolutionary, as these changes to the technical rules are the most drastic since 2011.
According to FIA technical director, Bernard Niclot, they wanted to make the car spectacular, be mindful of costs, increase safety and ultimately create striking cars.
Sebastien Ogier, the reigning world champion, was effusive about the new proposals. “As a racing driver, you’re always looking for more performance, the larger wing and new aerodynamics will give more downforce, grip and speed through the corners; driving them is going to spectacular, with the aggressive and wider body too.”
Oliver Ciesla, managing director of WRC Promoter believes that “an exhilarating sport will become even more so in 2017, and the fans have every right to be excited about the positive direction in which WRC is heading,” he said.
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What’s WRC?
Ok, to be honest WRC died the day Sebastien Loeb started churning out championships like no tomorrow.
Citroen’s WRC steam rolling was finally ended by Volkswagen, which has started a new age of WRC domination. I have a pity for Ford WRC team actually, Ford has always been there in WRC but driver’s title are very hard to come by. WRC will be spruced up a bit with the entry of Toyota in 2017 (still long way). But frankly speaking, today’s WRC is a bit lacking in aura compared to the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000. The WRC cars nowadays are too small in size to give any lasting impression to the viewers. C-segment cars are better for the viewers I think. Just like the golden era of early 2000s WRC. And hopefully sedan-based WRC cars will make a comeback, not just dominated hatchbacks…
yeah i agree but while c segment made good progress in WRC with cars like Lancer Evo and Impreza WRX, they lost to small hatchbacks like Peugoet 206 WRC and Toyota Corolla WRC in the late 90s (both became world champion). the same formula worked very well with Citroen’s Xsara and C4 WRC cars and also evident by VW’s Polo WRC. short wheelbase means excellent direction control on special stages and contribute to lighter bodyweight.
woaa, very ugly..
I wish it to be like during late 90’s seasons. Cars were very close to production models, originality was there. Now it looks more like a racing prototype.