WRC 2027 promises a new era with fresh technical regulations, but one debate refuses to die: the running order. Sources close to the decision-making process reveal there will be no change to the running order rules next season. That means P1 (Priority One, currently manufacturer Rally1 cars) drivers will still run in championship order on day one, before their overall classification is reversed for the rest of the weekend.
The rule has been in place since 2017, so why is it a bigger deal for 2027? The answer lies in the entry list composition. It's likely – certain, in fact – that Toyota will be the only automotive manufacturer competing with a WRC27 Rally1 specification car. Yes, there will be two constructor entries, but the Toyota will be the only true factory car. After that, we have Rally2 WRC Kit entries from M-Sport Ford and then a plethora of Rally2 hardware from Skoda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Lancia.
The big question: who will be included in the reverse order? Currently, M-Sport will be the only outfit running a Rally2 Kit in 2027. Toyota, Skoda, Hyundai, and Lancia have all indicated they won't be taking up the kit option for 2027 and 2028. If that situation remains, drivers of those cars would not – under current regulations – be reversed, meaning only M-Sport and Toyota drivers would be subject to that rule.
If, on the other hand, the rule is broadened to include front-running Rally2 machinery, where does that end? For example, if Gus Greensmith elected to chase the drivers' title in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 next season and did not register for WRC2 or any other support series, then he could quite conceivably expect to be included in the reverse order. That would open the field up to a significant number of well-driven Rally2 cars and, on warm, dry gravel rallies, there's a definite possibility of new winners and some random results.
And if it is only Toyota, M-Sport (and the new constructor projects on the events they do contest) that are reseeded, this still leaves the door open to a fast Rally2 car running outside of that process to stir things up. If you start further down the order, you're likely to be reseeded first of the non-priority drivers, which would leave you maybe 10th on the road for Saturday and Sunday. Is that not the best place to be?
One source close to the decision-making process told DirtFish: "This could be the best thing that happens for private drivers – this is nice, like the FIA is wanting to bring opportunity for local heroes and these kind of guys. But, what is this saying for M-Sport and for Toyota? Especially for Toyota, you make the new car and then you have the top drivers who are penalized for the whole rally. Don't forget, you go to Greece and start first because you lead the championship, you are killed on day one and if you have 15 good drivers in good Rally2 cars ahead of you, the next rally..."
This dilemma highlights the tension between competitive fairness and commercial appeal. On one hand, the reverse order rule is designed to prevent the fastest drivers from always starting at the front and sweeping the road for others. On the other hand, with only a few manufacturer cars, the rule could penalize teams that have invested heavily in developing Rally1 cars. The FIA seems keen to encourage privateer participation and create more surprises, but without hurting the remaining manufacturers.
As 2027 approaches, the running order debate will continue to swirl. The final decision will depend heavily on how many manufacturers actually commit to Rally1 and how the FIA balances the interests of all parties. One thing is clear: whatever the decision, some will feel advantaged and others disadvantaged. We'll just have to wait and see.
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