Rally5 is a technical specification of rally car determined by the FIA for use in its international rallying competitions: World Rally Championship (WRC) and regional championships. National rallying competitions also allow Rally5 cars to compete. The group was launched in 2019 after the introduction of the Rally Pyramid initiative to reorganise the classes of car and championships in international rallying was approved in June 2018.
The formula for Rally5 cars was taken from R1 class of Group R with the defining ruleset interchanging the terms, this meant that any existing R1 car homologated or approved since their introduction in 2008 could continue to be used in Rally5 level competition. The subclasses defined in R1 however have effectively merged and capacity of permitted turbocharged engines have increased to 1333cc.
In July 2024, the FIA announced slightly modified Rally5 cars will be eligible to race in circuit touring car racing under the name of TC Lite 5 (TCL5) from 2025.
Definition Rally5 cars are defined in FIA document Appendix J - Article 260 as Touring Cars or Large Scale Series Production Cars, supercharged Petrol engine (including rotary engines), 2-wheel drive (front or rear wheel drive). A production touring car with at least 2500 identical units manufactured must be homologated in Group A, with all the requirements that make it a Rally5 car homologated in an extension. They have a power to weight ratio of 6.4kg/hp.
Rally5 rules are relaxed in comparison to the other Groups Rally formulae making it the most cost efficient and accessible. Only the bodyshell (with safety cage), the seat mountings and the harness need to be homologated, the latter two already having their own Appendix J ruleset outside of Rally5. Bodyshells homologated under Rally4 regulations are also permitted in Rally5 therefore potentially expanding the range of cars available. Most components of the original Group A model can be used and in many cases are free to replace, however in such cases the performance criteria of Rally5 must always be met. +Key Specific Regulations for Cars in Group Rally5DrivetrainMinimum WeightEngine CapacityAspirationFuelMaximum CylindersTurbo RestrictorWheels GravelWheels AsphaltProduction Requirement2WD1030 kgUp to 1600ccNormalPetrol6As manufactured6"x15"6.5"x16"2500Up to 1067ccTurbo1080 kg1067-1333cc
FIA Competition Rally5 cars are placed in FIA 'RC5' sporting class alone.
+Eligibility in FIA WRC Championships 2023ClassGroupWRCMTWRC2WRC3MastersJuniorRC5Rally5 +Eligibility in FIA Regional Championships 2023ClassGroupALLERCERTARCMERCAPRCNACAMCODASURAbsoluteTeamsERC3ERC4JunJunARC2ARC3ARC4JunMERC2MERC3MERC4JunAPRC3APRC4JunNAC3NAC4JunCOD2COD3COD4RC5Rally5
Cars ManufacturerCarDebutHomologation BasisImage CitroënDS3 R12012FIA - A5739DS3 VTI 120 So Chic1598cc Normal FordFiesta Rally52020FIA - A5775Fiesta ST-Line (Fiesta Mk7)999cc Turbo FordFiesta R12012FIA - A5729Fiesta 1.6 (Fiesta Mk6)1597cc Normal RenaultClio Rally52020FIA - A5779Clio R.S. Line TCE 1.3EDC1331cc Turbo RenaultTwingo R12010FIA - A5731Twingo "Renault Sport"1598cc Normal ToyotaVitz2012FIA - A5742Vitz (NCP131)1501cc Normal Mazda2 R12020FIA - no homologationApproved for use in FIA NACAMBuilt by GHR Motorsport SuzukiSwift Rally5 -FIA - no homologation Project of Suzuki Motorsport Source: FIA Homologation List 2021 In addition to the above, bodyshells (and safety cage) homologated in Rally4 since 2020 would also be accepted subject to meeting Rally5 criteria elsewhere. For example, where original parts must be used, or power and weight limits met:
Opel Corsa Rally4 Peugeot 208 Rally4
See also Rally Pyramid Groups Rally Rally1 Rally2 Rally3 Rally4
References
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