FIA sets bold new course for rallycross from 2026

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced a series of updates that, subject to the approval of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), will define the future of the rallycross championship. The changes establish a championship that is more competitive and stays true to the raw excitement that has always been at the heart of the discipline.

Over the past two years, rallycross has pioneered an unprecedented battle of technologies, with electric and combustion powertrains going head-to-head. This unique era showcased the category’s willingness to innovate and brought new dimensions to the sport, the learnings from this period will remain an important part of its legacy.

From 2026, the top-tier class will once again be filled exclusively with internal combustion engines a move designed to simplify the competition, strengthen the grid, and deliver the spectacle fans around the world have told us they value most.

In addition to changes to the powertrains, the championship itself is also evolving. From 2026, the top category of rallycross will revert to the FIA European Rallycross Championship. This will see a six race series at some of the continent’s most iconic rallycross venues. Fans can expect more of the same spectacular action that has defined the series, delivered at tracks steeped in rallycross heritage.

While the championship moves to a European Championship format, competition on the world stage is also planned to remain through the introduction of the inaugural FIA Rallycross World Cup, which - subject to the approval of the World Motor Sport Council- is intended to run in addition to the European Championship. The Rallycross World Cup will bring together the best drivers and teams from across the globe for a showdown outside of Europe, ensuring that rallycross retains its global presence while providing fans and drivers with a spectacular battle for victory on the world stage.

These changes form part of the FIA’s long-term vision that will create a sustainable and exciting rallycross competition. For 2028, the new technical regulatory framework being applied in the FIA World Rally Championship’s top category will be applied in rallycross, meaning modern, safer, more affordable, yet faster vehicles will become available over the subsequent seasons with the aim of attracting more competitors, and the logical return for a World Rallycross Championship with full and exciting grids.

FIA Road Sport Director, Emilia Abel, said: “The changes announced today mark an important step in shaping the long-term growth of rallycross. From the beginning, our approach has been to listen to the teams, the drivers, the organisers, and above all the fans. 

The FIA has made races free to watch worldwide and built a world-class broadcast experience. But shaping the bigger picture takes time, which is why we are laying out this clear vision for 2026 and beyond.

The past two seasons have been a true battle of technologies, with electric and combustion power going head-to-head. This era showed how rallycross can lead in motorsport innovation, and the lessons learned will remain part of our DNA. The move to an internal combustion drivetrain builds on this foundation delivering an affordable and accessible format to grow grids and intensify competition.

With the European Championship providing a strong racing format, and plans – subject to the approval of the World Motor Sport Council – for a World Cup to create a thrilling global showcase, we are offering the best of both worlds as we transition toward the new technical regulations for the 2028 season.

The FIA is committed to delivering the close racing, and spectacle that make rallycross unique, while preparing the sport for an even stronger future, which honours our past, celebrates innovation, and ensures growth in rallycross for years to come.”