The Latest Breaking News from Andrew Wheatley

During this period the WRC has gone full circle. There was a concept to abandon the hybrid-powered Rally1 cars entirely and install Rally2 as the top tier. There was the idea of creating a Rally2 plus category by downgrading Rally1 cars and upgrading current Rally2 cars. But on balance stability…

The WRC has been working towards Tuesday's World Motor Sport Council meeting, where several questions are expected to be answered.

The FIA has been developing the next set of WRC regulations over the last two years since the launch of the Rally1 hybrid era last year.

The WRC is currently evaluating its event format structure for the future having faced criticism from drivers, teams and fans this year.

The WRC welcomed an all-new concept to the championship last weekend with the inaugural running of the Central European Rally, which saw rallying’s top tier host an event in three countries for the first time.

It is widely anticipated that an evolution of the Rally1 hybrid regulations, featuring minor changes from those introduced last year, will form the rules for 2025 and 2026, which the FIA has been working towards for several months.

Neuville was excluded from the event last weekend, where he finished eighth, after stewards determined a “person connected with the crew travelled on or over the route of two Special Stages, after reconnaissance, without authorisation” following the official pre-event recce.

Rallying is heading towards a crossroads as the FIA ascertains the long-term method of propulsion that will ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the discipline.

The WRC has previously indicated that four manufacturer teams at the top level would be its ideal prospect for the championship moving forward.