FIA: Attracting Chinese manufacturers a “clear target” for WRC
Attracting a Chinese manufacturer to join the World Rally Championship is a “clear target” for the FIA as it looks to grow rallying’s automotive brand portfolio in the future. Increasing the number of constructors competing in the WRC has been a long-held target for the FIA, with this objective at the heart of its plan to introduce radical new technical regulations from next ... Keep reading
The FIA has stated that attracting a Chinese manufacturer to join the World Rally Championship (WRC) is a "clear target" for the organization as it aims to expand rallying's automotive brand portfolio. The FIA is planning to introduce radical new technical regulations starting from the 2027 season. Currently, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford are the only automotive brands represented in the top tier of the WRC, with Ford's team being a semi-works relationship with British squad M-Sport.
In the future, the FIA aims for six constructors by 2029, according to FIA deputy for sport Malcolm Wilson. The growing Chinese automotive industry, which includes over 100 brands, has been identified as a key area of interest for the FIA. Lynk & Co, a Chinese brand, made its WTCR debut in 2019 as the first Chinese manufacturer in an FIA world championship.
Geely Auto, Geely's parent company, has also entered the TCR World Tour with its all-new Preface touring car. There are two other Chinese manufacturers in discussions with the FIA to join the manufacturer committee. China last hosted a WRC round in 1999, and there are two parties interested in bringing rallying's top tier to the nation, with China potentially hosting a future WRC round.
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