We all know that Scotland has long history of producing world class rally drivers and we’ve even produced a world champion, so it’s no surprise that this is a sport we are deeply in love with.
If you weren’t a fan before, maybe this year will hook you in? The new 2017 WRC season starts this weekend and it looks like we’re in for a cracker of a year, thanks mainly to the changes to the rules. Organisers hope to evoke some memories of the old Group B cars of the 80’s – what’s not to like? OK, not everyone will remember them, but it’s worth watching a video and I’ll add an old one to the end of this article if you stick with me that long.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t put any pictures of the 2017 cars in here as I really like the ones we have from the Legends article. I hope the ones we have will make you as happy as they make our very own rallyophile Olie.
So what’s changed? Well the 2017 regulations bring a few enhancements to the engine; the 1.6 litre turbo engine is retained but the power will be increased up to the level of the WTCC race cars. The diameter of the turbo restrictor will be increased from 33mm to 36mm while the turbo pressure remains at a maximum 2.5b absolute. This should increase the power by about 60 BHP, up to 380 BHP this year. The minimum weight of the car has also been reduced by 25 kilograms.
Greater freedom with the aerodynamics will set this World Rally Car aside from many of its recent predecessors. A free zone defined around the bodyshell of the production car could see a front bumper overhang by an additional 60mm, potentially also with additional aero devices ahead of the front wheels, while the rear overhang can be increased by an extra 30mm. Bigger door sills will be permitted, the fixed rear wing can be dramatically increased in size and while the rear diffuser will have maximum permitted dimensions, it can protrude up to 50mm from the rear bumper. The car must be greater than or equal to 3.9 metres, potentially adding further opportunities for manufacturers.
Stages scheduled for this season include:
Monte-Carlo 20 – 22 January
Sweden 10 – 12 February
Mexico 10 – 12 March
France 7 – 9 April
Argentina 28 – 30 April
Portugal 19 – 21 May
Italy 9 – 11 June
Finland TBC
Germany TBC
Spain TBC
Great Britain TBC
Australia TBC
Hyundai have already tested their 2017 car:
If you’re feeling nostalgic or just interested in what made the 80’s one of the greatest era’s of motorsport, watch this:
BT Sport has the most complete coverage of this year’s WRX but you should also be able to see highlights on Channel 5Â and live steaming via the WRC website.
