*Undated
Spectator safety will be further enhanced with the introduction of new in-car technology in Rally1 cars. An Artificial Intelligence Safety Camera will be compulsory in all top-tier hybrid cars.
In line with the FIA’s drive towards new technology and sustainable energy, the next-generation of top category World Rally Championship cars will feature a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid unit in Monte Carlo this January.
The Rally1 category will also showcase major safety breakthroughs with a new safety cage design, developed in collaboration with the manufacturers following an exhaustive analysis and crash test programme.
“The Rally1 hybrid project is a major landmark in the development of rallying and underlines the FIA’s commitment to sustainability and advanced technology,” Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director, said in an earlier interview.
“Of course, any new product that is being developed encounters challenges. During the current test phase, there is strong collaboration between the FIA, the manufacturers and our technical partners. We are working as one to complete tasks that are synonymous with a development cycle of this nature," he added.
Rally1 crews will be required to travel along them with their new-era plug-in hybrid cars in electric format. Being able to run in full electric mode is a key component of the ground-breaking new Rally1 cars, which will be introduced into the WRC at the start of next year, and this capability will be showcased as frequently as possible, effectively requiring top Kenyans to attend benchmarking WRC events.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Zones will also vary in distance, taking into consideration local conditions like rainy conditions.
Rally1 machinery will feature special identification graphics to enable fans and officials to differentiate the high-voltage vehicles from conventionally-powered cars taking part in the Safari in R2 and 3 categories of internal combustion cars which experts predict will be phased out gradually as the world enters the sci-fi era by 2030.
Red ‘HY’ letters on a white background will be placed next to the front door panel as well as a red background – rather than black – for the competition numbering WRC1 cars. Spectator safety will be further enhanced with the introduction of new in-car technology in Rally1 cars. An Artificial Intelligence Safety Camera will be compulsory in all top-tier hybrid cars. The forward-facing camera will scan special stages to analyse the position of spectators and assist FIA safety delegate Michele Mouton in identifying unsafe viewing locations.