With the emphasis on tyre conservation and fuel efficiency in Formula 1, it is easy to assume that whenever changes are introduced in Motorsport, part of the excitement seems to be taken away in exchange for improving eco-credentials. During the last decade, that was the case with Rallying; cars dropped one segment size and engine sizes were reduced from 2 litres to more compact 1.6 litre units. Cue the disappointed faces from purist fans.
However, you can only downsize so much before you turn too many people from the sport so things are set to change for next year. The flagship Rally Championship is set to undergo changes to make it more lively, with the headlining number being 380 - the amount of brake horsepower the turbocharged engines will now produce (up from 300 bhp). This is thanks to restrictor in the turbo being enlarged to 36mm in size, up from 34mm. It is also worth noting the cars are getting a revamped aero package - the new rules allow a 55mm increase in width along with a 60mm and 30mm increase in front and rear overhangs respectively. Expect large rear wings too as they can now protude 50mm up from the rear bumper.
With these changes proposed for World Rally cars, this championship is set to become an even greater spectacle to watch. In terms of flat out performance, WRC cars are still quite distant from the notorious Group B Rally cars (pictured above) capable of over 500bhp, but with advanced technology, increased downforce and smaller chassis, the gap could be closer than ever and hopefully provide as much visual excitement as the 80's legends.
Comments
Post a Comment