Published 25/01/2026 à 11:30
Pierre Barre
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Since the 2026 season of WRC With the start of the season this weekend in Monte Carlo, information about what the pinnacle of the sport will look like in a year’s time is multiplying. Several key figures at the FIA took the opportunity to hold a press conference this Friday, during which some important topics were discussed. Malcolm Wilson, now in charge of sport at the FIA, took the opportunity to discuss the progress of talks regarding the arrival of a new promoter in the WRC. “It’s an extremely long process that should come to fruition in the coming months and is very close to reaching its conclusion,” stated the team’s founder. M-SportIt is now common knowledge that a project led by Eric Boullier, former stable manager of Formula 1Backed by a pool of investors, this appears to be the most likely solution. Moreover, the former head of the French Formula 1 Grand Prix is present this weekend in Monte Carlo: there are no coincidences…
This isn’t the first time the announcement of this new promoter’s arrival has been eagerly awaited. Last December, rumors circulated suggesting the announcement would be made before the end of 2025. That didn’t happen. Malcolm Wilson explained the situation: “I’ve been in business for many years; acquiring companies isn’t something that happens overnight, and this transition is a project that requires patience,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of such a move: “I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m looking for the best possible promoter for the WRC and that I want this responsibility entrusted to people who have a long-term vision for the sport,” he told us. This should reassure everyone about the appeal of the new WRC format.
Very interesting information was also revealed by Xavier Mestelan Pinon, now in charge of the FIA’s technical direction, who was also present at this media interview. He indicated that “the FIA has received no fewer than 10 proposals for the construction of new cars for 2027,” thus constituting, according to Malcolm Wilson, “the greatest expression of interest in the WRC ever seen.” While it seems clear that not all of these 10 projects will come to fruition, this can be reassuring regarding the success of these future regulations. As a reminder, each manufacturer or preparer, grouped under the manufacturers’ banner from 2027 onwards, will have to produce at least 10 cars within two years of the homologation date and be able to deliver at least 10 race-ready cars per calendar year to potential customers. The FIA will therefore have to closely monitor the progress of these projects.
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Also present at this press conference, Emilia Abel, FIA Director of Road Racing, confirmed that discussions were underway regarding the format of rallies in the near future: “While leaving open the possibility of retaining historical formats for certain races, we must adapt the formats of our events according to the demands and needs of all stakeholders,” she stated. It is worth recalling, in particular, that the crews had complained about the format of the Rally The Portuguese decision led to an update of the regulations this season regarding “rest” hours. It remains to be seen whether the arrival of a newly promoted team will have any impact on this issue.
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