WRX Electric Switch Delayed Until 2022

The FIA has announced its decision to postpone the electrification implementation plan for 2021 by one year, due to the economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision, which was approved today by a World Motor Sport Council e-vote, was taken in consultation with IMG, the promoter of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, as well as Kreisel Electric, the approved supplier of the electrification kit, and GCK Energy, the approved supplier of energy.

According to a statement from the FIA, all parties remain committed to the original strategy built around independent teams that are currently competing in, or looking to enter the series, which was conceived with sustainability and cost control at its core.

“While the current situation has made it necessary to defer the switch to electric by one year to allow competitors further time to adapt and to invest, the FIA remains committed to a new horizon for World RX,” said FIA President Jean Todt.

“This will create the most cost effective environment and demonstrate the rapidly developing performance capabilities of electric road cars in this FIA championship.”

Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of Motorsports Events at IMG, the promoter of the FIA World Rallycross Championship added: “We support the decision to delay the introduction of electric rallycross to the world championship until 2022.

“At this stage, plans for the new FIA eRX Junior championship remain unaffected by this decision and work towards the electrification of this category will continue for 2021, with a complete car supply and championship organization on an all-inclusive arrive and drive format.

“While together with the FIA, teams and partners we are committed to an electric future for rallycross, we believe it is prudent to focus on health and well-being during these challenging and uncertain times.”

Philipp Kreisel, CEO of Kreisel Electric, commented: “Globally speaking, we are experiencing unprecedented times, and no one dare predict what the future will bring.

“Most importantly, we need to accept the present situation and protect lives. While this is happening, we need to prepare so that we can be ready when the relaunch button of the “system” is going to be pressed again.

“As we don’t know when this will happen, we support the FIA’s approach and the postponement of the first World RX electric racing season to 2022. As we have nearly completed the development of the electric race kit, and have put a lot of energy and passion into this project, it is disappointing that we won’t be able to see the electrified World RX cars next year.

“Nevertheless, we are absolutely convinced that by remaining unified we can make the electrification of World RX a huge success when it does happen.”