The FIA has moved swiftly. Following the tyre chaos that hit several top drivers at Rally Paraguay, the governing body has officially increased the tyre allocation for this week's Rally Chile. Where Rally1 cars were previously limited to 28 tyres on gravel, they will now have 36 at their disposal.
The decision was confirmed in an official bulletin. Rally2 cars also see their quota rise to 30, while all other cars get 26, including those used during shakedown.
Arauco Becomes a Key Battleground
This isn't just about adding numbers. The FIA has also relaxed procedures on the Arauco road section, which will host action on Saturday and Sunday. Teams are now permitted to deliver a maximum of two tyres mounted on rims to crews, receiving the same number of used tyres in return within a designated area.
This allows drivers to swap worn rubber for fresh tyres during the day. However, the rules remain strict: team members may only hand over tyres—no assistance, tools, or spare parts are allowed. Scrutineers will be present and will scan every exchanged tyre to ensure compliance.
The move is a direct response to the severe delamination issues that plagued several leading drivers in Paraguay. The abrasive gravel conditions caused rapid tyre wear and sparked fierce criticism, particularly from Toyota's Sebastien Ogier.
Root Cause Remains Unresolved
While the increased allocation offers some relief, the underlying problem persists. After Rally Portugal, Hankook, WRC's sole tyre supplier, did update its Dynapro tyre with deeper tread. Yet Ogier continues to demand a much wider range of tyre options in the championship.
Hankook's Steven Cho previously acknowledged the difficulty of using the same tyre across gravel rallies with vastly different characteristics. He stated the company was prepared to supply more Dynapro tyres if necessary. Still, a long-term solution remains a collective challenge for the FIA, teams, and the tyre manufacturer.
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FIA increases Rally1 tire allowance to 36 for Rally Chile 2026 as a response to tire issues in Paraguay. Learn about the long-term plan with Hankook and WRC.
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