– New terms for more proximity to the fan
– A change for teams and drivers
Last week, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) published new terminology for cross-country rallying. Names and terms were shortened and simplified. With the more comprehensible terms, it is intended above all to respond to the many – also new – fans in order to bring the sport closer to them. The new terminology will apply from 2024 and will thus already come into effect at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
While the names of the events and FIA Events have only been shortened by the FIA, the vehicle categories will receive completely new designations. Some of the shorter event names were already used internally by teams and drivers. But the new vehicle designations will certainly cause some confusion.
Overview of the new terminology
Events
Cross-Country Event – Cross-Country Rally
Cross-Country Baja – Baja
Cross-Country Rally – Rally-Raid
Cross-Country Marathon Rally – Marathon Rally-Raid
Vehicle groups
T1 : Ultimate (Prototype Cross-Country Vehicles)
T2 : Stock (Series Production Cross-Country Cars)
T3 : Challenger (Lightweight Prototype Cross-Country Vehicles SxS)
T4 : SSV (Modified Production Cross-Country Side-by-Side (SSV) Vehicles)
T5 : Truck (Cross-Country Trucks)
New names for FIA Events
World Cup for Cross Country Baja : World Baja Cup
European Cup for Cross Country Bajas : European Baja Cup
Middle East Cup for Cross Country Bajas : Middle East Baja Cup