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Addressing Fuel System Issues in WRC Rally1
The World Rally Championship (WRC) has taken steps to address fuel system issues that affected several Rally1 teams during the Acropolis Rally Greece. These problems led to the retirement of cars driven by notable drivers such as Sami Pajari, Martins Sesks, and Grégoire Munster. The incident highlighted concerns about the performance of the fuel systems under extreme conditions.
Understanding the Root Cause
Although the exact cause of the fuel system issues remains unclear, many believe that the extreme heat experienced during the rally played a significant role. Temperatures inside the car cabins reached up to 70°C on one of the days, which could have contributed to the malfunctioning of the fuel systems. This event occurred during the fourth round of the season, following the change in the sustainable fuel supplier.
Transition to New Fuel Supplier
Earlier this year, P1 Racing Fuels, the previous fuel supplier, went into administration, prompting the FIA to quickly appoint TotalEnergies as the new supplier. The transition began with the Rally Islas Canarias in April, marking a shift in the championship’s operations.
Investigating the Issues
Following the incidents at the Acropolis Rally, the FIA conducted an investigation into the challenges faced by Rally1 teams. This led to several meetings between the teams and the FIA’s technical department. It was confirmed that there is no issue with the fuel itself, and the supplier will remain in place for the rest of the season.
Permitting Modifications for Future Events
To prevent similar issues from occurring at other rallies, the FIA has allowed Rally1 teams to fit different fuel tanks to their cars ahead of the upcoming Rally Estonia. Although the fuel tank is a homologated part of the car, changes in this case will not require the use of a homologation joker, providing teams with greater flexibility.
FIA’s Response
A spokesperson from the FIA stated, “Since being made aware of an issue affecting the fuel tanks on certain Rally1 cars during Acropolis Rally Greece, the FIA is following developments closely.” They emphasized that there will be no change to the fuel supply for the 2025 season. Each manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the fuel tank used fully complies with FIA homologation requirements and is properly adapted to the fuel mandated for use in the championship.
Supporting Manufacturers
The FIA has supported manufacturers by facilitating discussions with suppliers and updating regulations to ensure flexibility for teams. This allows them to make necessary modifications in response to challenges they face without affecting their homologation jokers. The timing of the previous supplier going into administration has unavoidably impacted the normal testing processes that manufacturers would typically undertake when fuel specifications are changed.
This situation underscores the importance of adaptability and collaboration within the WRC. As teams continue to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicles, while also maintaining the competitive spirit of the championship.
