The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced a significant restructuring of rallycross competition beginning with the 2026 season, pending approval by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). The overhaul will reintroduce internal combustion engines to the top class, establish a streamlined European championship format and launch a new FIA Rallycross World Cup to maintain the sport's global presence.

Over the past two years, rallycross has showcased a head-to-head battle between electric and combustion powertrains—a period that highlighted the category's willingness to innovate. The FIA said the lessons learned from that era will remain part of the discipline's legacy. Still, the new structure is designed to strengthen grids, simplify competition, and deliver the excitement fans have asked for.

Beginning in 2026, the top-tier category will once again feature internal combustion engines exclusively. That class will also return to the FIA European Rallycross Championship, which will run as a six-round series at historic European venues known for their rallycross heritage.

To preserve international competition, the FIA plans to launch an inaugural FIA Rallycross World Cup outside Europe. The new global event, pending WMSC approval, will bring together top drivers and teams from around the world in a high-stakes showdown.

Looking further ahead, the FIA plans to apply the new technical framework currently being developed for the World Rally Championship's premier class to rallycross by 2028. The goal is to introduce faster, safer and more cost-effective vehicles, helping attract new competitors and paving the way for a future relaunch of a full FIA World Rallycross Championship.

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."

For more information, visit the FIA announcement.