A landmark moment for historic motor sport.

(Source – FIA.com: https://www.fia.com/news/future-regulations-across-multiple-categories-confirmed-during-world-motor-sport-council)

Today’s ( World Council meeting saw the approval of a rare and significant update to the regulations governing the eligibility of historic cars to take part in motor sport competitions.

These changes to Appendix K of the International Sporting Code mean that, from 2025, racing cars built between the years 1991 and 2000 will be able to carry the Historic Technical Passports that allow them to compete in FIA championships and international motor sport events.

This update will bring many of the world’s most iconic race and rally cars back into the crucible of motor sport, allowing fans and enthusiasts to enjoy the sights and sounds of what was a remarkable decade of technological advancement.

In circuit racing, legendary Formula 1 racers from the spectacular turbo era, which previously were only approved for demonstration, are now moving to the race categorisation, together with F1 cars from the period 1987-2000.

The Formula 1 3.5 litre machines that followed the ban of turbo engines will be returning to competition, as well as the much-loved Formula 3000 category. In sportscar racing, this new period of eligibility means that historic events will now reflect the rise of the iconic Le Mans Prototypes and GT with cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, Porsche 911 GT1, McLaren F1 GTR, or Ferrari F40 LM, Jaguar XJ220, and Chrysler Viper.

For touring car fans, the Super Touring period now falls into eligibility as well, bringing fan-favourites from the likes of Audi, Opel, Renault, Alfa Romeo and Volvo back to do battle once again.

The change for historic rally sees a wide range of new cars become eligible, including some of the most iconic categories in recent memory.

The classic Group A period of the mid 90’s included cars like the Group A Subaru Impreza, synonymous with the late Colin McRae. The Mitsubishi Lancer and Ford Escort Cosworth were also hugely successful in this era, together with cars from Toyota and Lancia.

As the 90’s decade came to an end, the World Rally Car format was introduced in 1997. These turbo 4WD cars were at the cutting edge of transmission technology, braking and performance. The Toyota Corolla WRC, Subaru Impreza WRC, Ford Focus WRC and the Peugeot 206 WRC remain some of the most popular and alluring rally cars to this day.

The move to year 2000 opens up an unprecedented variety of new rally cars from the humble Nissan Micra through to the iconic legendary cars of the sport above.

The FIA will make further announcements and conduct workshops in early 2025 to help the owners of the newly-eligible historic cars apply for their Historic Technical Passports and get the cars racing again.