FIA Impose S2000 Car in the WRC

Following the latest meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco, several important decisions have been made concerning the future format of the World Rally Championship. The most important of all, however, was announcing the base configuration for the 2010 season.

“As already announced, the 2010 World Rally Car will be S2000 based. However, the removable kit, already adopted by the WMSC, will be redefined with no electronic benefits, or similar upgrades, to ensure cost reductions. The new S2000-based World Rally Car will only be permitted for use on World Rally Championship events.”

“The FIA Production Car World Rally Championship will be retained for Group N cars, including the existing S2000 car. The FIA is in exclusive negotiations with Ralliart Italy to supply and service Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution cars for the Pirelli Star Drivers to contest the designated 2009 and 2010 FIA World Rally Championship events,” read the full statement of the FIA after their meeting in Monaco.

In an effort to cut down costs inside the sport – due to the global economic crisis that has already affected several motor sport competitions worldwide, including series like Formula 1 or NASCAR – the FIA representatives have rejected the proposal to base the WRC on both the Super 2000 and Group N cars.

This variant would have most likely suited Japanese manufacturer Subaru, as Paul Howarth's team will now have to change their 2010 car completely to comply with the new regulations. Subaru have introduced the Group N-based 2008-spec car in the mid-season but will not get to use it after the 2009 season.

FIA's controversial decision this Friday is expected to be followed by a bunch of critics within the WRC world, as 5-time champion Sebastien Loeb insisted earlier in November that he would quit the sport should the S2000 car become mandatory in 2010 (according to autosport.com). However, FIA's decision might also bring back French manufacturer Peugeot in 2010.