The 2018 FIA World RX cost saving measures

Image Copyright: FIA World Rallycross

The 2018 FIA World Rallycross season kicks off with the World RX of Catalunya-Barcelona on 14-15 April. It is set to be a thrilling championship with PSRX Volkswagen Sweden, EKS RX, Sebastien Loeb Racing, GC Kompetition etc. all battling it out for the championship title. PSRX Volkswagen Sweden were the most dominant team in their debut season winning 8 out of the 12 round in the 2017 World RX Championship. But the action is set to heat up with closer racing after changes were made by the FIA World MotorSport Council 

In December 2017, the FIA World MotorSport Council (WMSC) discussed measures for controlling costs for the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship. With a lot of discussion taking place during the various race weekends of the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship where costs were said to be rising due to the increased Manufacturer involvement and development in the series, this led to talks about how to combat rising costs in World RX.

The FIA WMSC then announced the following measures for the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship to better control costs where there are new limitations on the following components:

Engines: 

• Reduction from three to two engine seals per year

• Introduction of a Technical Declaration form, to supplement the Technical Passport, which will be used to identify items that are restricted to remove development opportunities and costs

• Restrict brakes to the declared specification for the year

Turbos:

• Reduction from six to four turbochargers per year

Tyres: 

• Tyre usage: in the first two events a maximum of 12 new tyres (wet and dry) may be registered per car.

• From the third event, a maximum of eight news tyres (wet and dry) and four used tyres (wet and dry) registered in a previous event may be registered. Only registered tyres can be used in the event [this represents a reduction in the number of tyres available as it removes the possibility to use unregistered tyres in practice and warm-up].

Gearbox Ratios:

• The make, model and location of the gearbox.
• If a central differential is used (transmission specification is locked for the year with or without a centre diff.)
• Restrict gear ratios to two declared sets for the year.

Aerodynamic Devices:

• Restrict the rear aerodynamic device to the declared specification for the year

Source: FIA.com
Image: FIA World Rallycross