Group Rally5 Explained

Above:
Header1:Motor racing formula
Label2:Category
Data2:Rallying
Label3:Country/Region
Data3:International
Label4:Championships
Data4:WRC, Regional, National
Label5:Inaugural
Data5:2019 (2008 as R1)
Label6:Status
Data6:Active
Label7:Drivetrain
Data7:Two Wheel Drive
Label8:Power to weight
Data8:6.4kg/hp
Label9:Aptitude
Data9:Access

Group Rally5 is a technical specification of rally car determined by the FIA for use in its international rallying competitions: World Rally Championship (WRC) and regional championships. National rallying competitions also allow Group Rally5 cars to compete. There are no subclasses of the group therefore all Group Rally5 cars can compete in the same category. 'Rally5' may be used alone with the same definition. The group was launched in 2019 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 formula for Group Rally5 cars was taken from R1 class of Group R with the defining ruleset interchanging the terms, this meant that any existing R1 car homologated or approved since their introduction in 2008 could continue to be used in Rally5 level competition.[2] The subclasses defined in R1 however have effectively merged and capacity of permitted turbocharged engines have increased to 1333cc.[2]

In July 2024, the FIA announced slightly modified Group Rally5 cars will be eligible to race in circuit touring car racing under the name of TCL5 from 2025.[3] [4]

Definition

Group Rally5 cars are defined in FIA document Appendix J - Article 260 as Touring Cars or Large Scale Series Production Cars, supercharged Petrol engine (including rotary engines), 2-wheel drive (front or rear wheel drive). A production touring car with at least 2500 identical units manufactured must be homologated in Group A, with all the requirements that make it a Group Rally5 car homologated in an extension.[2] They have a power to weight ratio of 6.4kg/hp.[1]

Rally5 rules are relaxed in comparison to the other Groups Rally formulae making it the most cost efficient and accessible. Only the bodyshell (with safety cage), the seat mountings and the harness need to be homologated, the latter two already having their own Appendix J ruleset outside of Rally5. Bodyshells homologated under Group Rally4 regulations are also permitted in Group Rally5 therefore potentially expanding the range of cars available. Most components of the original Group A model can be used and in many cases are free to replace, however in such cases the performance criteria of Rally5 must always be met.

Key Specific Regulations for Cars in Group Rally5!Drivetrain!MinimumWeight!EngineCapacity!Aspiration!Fuel!MaximumCylinders!TurboRestrictor!WheelsGravel!WheelsAsphalt!ProductionRequirement
2WD1030 kgUp to 1600ccNormalPetrol6As manufactured6"x15"6.5"x16"2500
Up to 1067ccTurbo
1080 kg1067-1333cc

FIA Competition

Rally5 cars are placed in FIA 'RC5' sporting class alone.

Cars

ManufacturerCarDebutHomologation BasisImage
CitroënDS3 R12012FIA - A5739
DS3 VTI 120 So Chic
1598cc Normal
FordFiesta Rally5[5] 2020FIA - A5775
Fiesta ST-Line (Fiesta Mk7)
999cc Turbo
FordFiesta R12012FIA - A5729
Fiesta 1.6 (Fiesta Mk6)
1597cc Normal
RenaultClio Rally5[6] 2020FIA - A5779
Clio R.S. Line TCE 1.3EDC
1331cc Turbo
RenaultTwingo R12010FIA - A5731
Twingo "Renault Sport"
1598cc Normal
ToyotaVitz2012FIA - A5742
Vitz (NCP131)
1501cc Normal
Mazda2 R12020FIA - no homologation
Approved for use in FIA NACAM
Built by GHR Motorsport[7] [8] [9] [10]
SuzukiSwift Rally5-FIA - no homologationProject of Suzuki Motorsport[11]
Source: FIA Homologation List 2021[12]
In addition to the above, bodyshells (and safety cage) homologated in Group Rally4 since 2020 would also be accepted subject to meeting Rally5 criteria elsewhere. For example, where original parts must be used, or power and weight limits met:

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FIA Rally Car Pyramid Brochure .
  2. Web site: Specific Regulations for Cars in Group Rally5/Rally4/Rally3 .
  3. Web site: 2024-07-23 . FIA announces TC Lite, technical ruleset for accessible low-cost touring car racing . 2024-08-19 . Federation Internationale de l'Automobile . en.
  4. Web site: Lloyd . Daniel . 2024-07-23 . New Touring Car Platform to Share Regulations with Rallying . 2024-08-19 . Racecar Engineering . en-US.
  5. Web site: FIESTA RALLY5. 2020-12-12. M-Sport. en.
  6. Web site: Clio Trophy France - Press release - New Clio Rally makes successful debut - renaultsport.com. 2020-12-12. Renault Sport. en.
  7. Web site: GUD-918-D (MEX) eWRC-results.com .
  8. Web site: GHN-533-D (MEX) eWRC-results.com .
  9. Web site: GHR Motorsport Aiming to Revolutionize Rally Mexico with the Mazda 2 .
  10. Web site: GHR Motorsport Mazda 2 R1 .
  11. Equipo Suzuki . suzukimsport . 1583080421113614338 . 2022-10-20 . Swift Rally5 nuestro nuevo proyecto. Our new project #rally5 #Suzuki #Swift #SwiftSport #ERC #ERCLive #PoweredByMotul @rallycarsl https://t.co/U7wwNehH9b . en . 2022-12-21.
  12. Web site: FIA Homologation List 2021 .