In relation to motorsport governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, Group R refers to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for rally competition. The Group R regulations were gradually introduced from 2008 as a replacement for Group A and Group N rally cars.[1][2]
To comply with Group R regulations, a car must first be homologated in Group A (or in some cases Group N) and receive one or more VR extensions. Each VR extension is a set of homologated parts and modifications, designed and sold (as a kit or as a complete car) by the manufacturer.
As part of its structure, the Group R regulations have a provision for GT cars, known as R-GT.[3][4][5]
Classes
Group R consists of six classes, designated R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R-GT; some of these groups contain their own sub-groups, with cars allocated to each group based on their weight, engine size and powertrain.
The first batch of rules, which were introduced in 2008, featured the R1, R2 and R3 classes. These were restricted to two-wheel drive cars with atmospheric engines up to 2000cc. Supercharged engines were allowed only in R3T (petrol) and R3D (diesel) sub-classes. Since 2015 the R1, R2 and R3 classes allow supercharged engines with a 1.5 equivalency factor for displacement.
Additional regulations were issued in 2011 which covered the R4 and R-GT classes; the R4 was conceived as an evolutionary step for previously-homologated Group N4 cars, turbocharged, all-wheel drive cars based on production models. The R4 class is for cars competing under Group N regulations for production cars prior to 2013. No new models would be homologated under R4 regulations, with the FIA taking the long-term view that these would be replaced by bespoke kit cars. The R4 Kit cars have a standard engine, four-wheel drive powertrain and suspension. In January 2017, French racecar manufacturer Oreca was selected as supplier.[6]
R-GT was introduced to allow Grand Touring cars that competed in sports car racing to enter rallies. The R5 class was designed to replace Super 2000 cars, and its regulations were introduced in 2013. Prior to 2014, there was no specific championship for cars entered under R-GT regulations, and R-GT cars were ineligible to score points in any existing championship outside the World Rally Championship. The FIA R-GT Cup for R-GT cars started in 2015, sharing some events from the WRC and ERC events.[7]
The World Rally Championship has historically had specific support championships that each class has been eligible for.[8] Cars classified as R1, R2 and R3 contested the WRC3 Championship for two-wheel drive cars between 2013 and 2018; specially-prepared R3T, later R2B cars, were also used in the Junior WRC. Cars classified as R5 compete in WRC2; and WRC3 in 2020 and 2021, whilst regional championships may allow R5 alongside existing Super 2000 and Group N Production Cars. Cars classified as R-GT competed in the R-GT Cup until it ceased at the end of the 2022 competition.
1 2 Elizalde, Pablo (13 August 2012). "Toyota unveils entry-level WRC Yaris". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Toyota said the car will be able to compete in the World Rally Championship under the R1A regulations once it is homologated by the FIA before the end of the year.
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