Latvala Predicts Rally2 Cars Can Win Under WRC 2027 Rules

Jari-Matti Latvala believes Rally2 cars will have a genuine opportunity to challenge for victories when the new World Rally Championship regulations are introduced in 2027. The Toyota Gazoo Racing team principal even expects Rally2 machinery to be capable of defeating the new-generation WRC cars under certain conditions.

Toyota has been conducting an extensive testing programme for its 2027-specification challenger. All of the team's current drivers have been involved in development work, while 2019 world champion Ott Tanak has also participated in testing duties in place of Sebastien Ogier.

The upcoming regulations create a much closer technical relationship between WRC and Rally2 machinery. While the chassis remains closely related to the current Rally1 concept, the powertrain and transmission are derived from Rally2 technology. According to Latvala, that common foundation leaves limited scope for major performance gains.

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"It's the same engine and the same transmission, so there's very little you can do in those areas. The differences in suspension are not particularly significant either. The only area where you can make a meaningful improvement is aerodynamics, but we're not talking about huge gains."

Latvala stressed that performance differences between manufacturers are likely to be measured in very small margins. That makes the comparison particularly interesting given that Rally2 cars and the new WRC machines will compete in the same category from 2027.

"Absolutely. On certain rallies, especially if you have a more favourable road position, Rally2 cars can definitely be competitive. The new cars may have an advantage on fast gravel rallies and asphalt, but on slower gravel events I believe the Rally2 cars will be extremely competitive."

According to Latvala, rally characteristics will be crucial. The rougher, slower and looser the conditions become, the greater the opportunity for Rally2 cars to close the performance gap to the new WRC machinery. He believes Rally2 competitors will not only be capable of fighting at the front but will also have a realistic chance of winning rallies under the 2027 regulations.