Group Rally3 Explained

Above:
Header1:Motor racing formula
Label2:Category
Data2:Rallying
Label3:Country/Region
Data3:International
Label4:Championships
Data4:WRC, Regional, National
Label5:Inaugural
Data5:2021
Label6:Status
Data6:Active
Label7:Drivetrain
Data7:Four Wheel Drive
Label8:Power to weight
Data8:5.6kg/hp
Label9:Aptitude
Data9:Access

Group Rally3 is a technical specification of rally car determined by the FIA. It features four-wheel drive and a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 5.6kg/hp. The class is used in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and regional championships. National rallying competitions also allow Group Rally3 cars to compete. There are three technical subclasses of Group Rally3 however these do not affect competitive eligibility so 'Rally3' may be used alone with the same definition. The group was launched in 2021 with the homologation of the first car after the introduction of the Rally Pyramid initiative to reorganise the classes of car and championships in international rallying was approved in June 2018.[1]

The group was designed to be entry level and the cheapest way to go rallying with four-wheel drive, as existing options like Group Rally2 and Group Rally2-Kit were considered too expensive for some privateers, and too high performance for newcomers to 4WD cars.

Two-wheel-drive R3 cars from Group R were at level RC3 with the mentioned Rally2 and Rally2-Kit at level RC2 in the FIA's sporting classes. With the introduction of Rally3, R3 were reclassified to RC4.[1]

Definition

Group Rally3 cars are defined in FIA document 'Appendix J - Article 260' as Touring Cars or Large Scale Series Production Cars, petrol engine, 4-wheel drive. A production touring car with at least 2500 identical units manufactured must be homologated in Group A, with all the components and changes that make it a Group Rally3 car homologated in an extension.[2]

Cars have a 31mm air intake restrictor, a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 5.6kg/hp, and a rally-ready price cap of €100,000 plus taxes.[3] [1]

The subclasses are based on engine cylinder capacity in common with existing Group Rally4 classes, allowing for possibility of upgrade or sharing of many components with a Rally4 car.

Key Specific Regulations for Cars in Group Rally3!Class!Drivetrain!MinimumWeight!EngineCapacity!Aspiration!Fuel!MaximumCylinders!TurboRestrictor!WheelsGravel!WheelsAsphalt!ProductionRequirement
Ra3B4WD1210 kg1390-1600ccNormalPetrol631mm6"x15"7"x17"2500
927-1067ccTurbo
Ra3C1600-2000ccNormal
1067-1333ccTurbo
Ra3D1333-1620ccTurbo

FIA Competition

Rally3 cars are placed alone in FIA 'RC3' sporting class.[4]

Cars

ManufacturerCarDebutHomologation BasisImage
FordFiesta Rally3[5] 2021FIA - A5782
Fiesta ST (Fiesta Mk7)
1497cc Turbo
RenaultClio Rally3[6] [7] 2023FIA - A5779
Clio R.S. Line (Clio V)
1,330 cc Turbo
Source: FIA Homologation List 2023[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FIA Rally Car Pyramid Brochure February 2021 .
  2. Web site: Specific Regulations for Cars in Group Rally5/Rally4/Rally3 .
  3. Web site: FIA Rally Newsletter #4 .
  4. Web site: FIA Regional Rally Sporting Regulations 2021 .
  5. Web site: FIESTA RALLY3. 2020-12-12. M-Sport. en.
  6. Web site: Renault’s Clio Rally3 almost ready to break cover . 2022-11-20 . WRC - World Rally Championship . en.
  7. Web site: Barry . Luke . 2023-04-25 . Renault Clio Rally3 passes FIA homologation . 2023-10-23 . DirtFish . en-US.
  8. Book: HOMOLOGATIONS LIST – 2023 . FIA.