FIA announces reorganisation and strategic vision for Road Sport Department
The FIA today announces a major reorganisation and a new strategic vision for the Federation’s Road Sport Department. Under this reorganisation, the team will be led by Emilia Abel as Junior Road Sport Director, guided and mentored by Dieter Rencken, who moves across from his Formula 1 activities.
Both Abel and Rencken, who will become Executive Advisor, Road Sport Department, will report to Alberto Villarreal, FIA General Manager.
The new direction will align with the technical innovations set to be introduced for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX) and FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). In addition to focusing on the World Championships, the department will bring a sharper focus to the FIA’s vision to double motor sport participation through grassroots initiatives in the Rally’s support categories and Affordable Cross Car competitions, in collaboration with the Sport Development Department.
In the FIA World Rally Championship, all departments are working together to make the discipline more attractive. The primary objective is to increase the number of top-category cars at WRC events while simultaneously developing grassroots participation. Efforts are aligned to boost the sport’s profile through enhanced marketing and promotion, delivering greater value to all stakeholders.
Substantive work is done through the sporting and technical working groups to evolve the regulations and make the championship more appealing to competitors and fans alike. On the technical front, the recent announcement of the removal of hybrid power from 2025 aligns with the direction set for 2027, which focuses on providing affordable and versatile cars with a chassis concept based on ICE technology, combined with 100% sustainable fuel, that can also accommodate both hybrid ICE and battery electric solutions for the future. The key principles of these 2027 regulations will be presented to the World Motor Sport Council on December 11 – a move that is part of a broader strategy to modernise the championship and ensure its long-term sustainability.
In the FIA World Rallycross Championship, the “battle of technology” between sustainably fuelled ICE and electric vehicles will remain at the heart of the competition for 2025-2026, with technical refinements to enhance the performance. The objective for the future is to propose a chassis built on the WRC27 regulations that would meet the specific requirements of this championship: spectacular, affordable and accessible cars.
On the promotional side, the recently launched Expression of Interest aims to bring in a new promoter to take the category further, expanding its reach and engaging with automotive manufacturers and the next generation of fans.
The FIA continues to place a strong emphasis on supporting grassroots motor sport across all road sport disciplines, including cross-country, hill climb, and autocross. Ongoing efforts will continue to develop these sports, focusing on nurturing young talent and expanding participation, helping to create new opportunities for future generations of competitors.
A native of Estonia, Abel had previously served as Road Sport Deputy Director and Head of Off-Road categories. She was also President of the FIA Road Sport Committee and Vice President of the FIA’s Closed Road Commission.
Among her other notable achievements in motor sport, she is Head of the Estonian Autosport Union Rally Committee and Clerk of the Course of the Ypres Rally. Abel is a Platinum-grade FIA Steward and has stewarded a number of World Rally, European Rally and Estonian Rally Championship events.
She will oversee Road Sport Department activities including the FIA World Rally Championship, the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, the FIA World Rallycross Championship, the Cross-country Baja Cups, Regional Rally Championships as well as Off-road activities (Rallycross, Autocross and Cross-car).
Abel, who replaces Andrew Wheatley who has left the FIA, will be responsible for shaping the future of the FIA World Rally Championship and overseeing grass roots development of both rally and off-road categories.
With a clear focus on both top-tier championships and grassroots initiatives, the FIA is committed to enhancing the appeal of motor sport to a broader audience while fostering innovation, safety, and accessibility across all levels.
Commenting on Abel’s appointment, FIA General Manager Alberto Villarreal said: “I am delighted that Emilia will take on the role of Junior Road Sport Director. We are at a pivotal time in the development of our sport and with Emilia’s vast experience in rallying and off-road competition, she will be a tremendous asset as we build towards a brighter future. She will have my full support to reach the objectives we have set for the FIA World Rally Championship in particular.”
Emilia Abel said: “I am very excited to step into the role of FIA Junior Road Sport Director at a time when our sport is poised for growth and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to enhance the pinnacle of competition while broadening its appeal through grassroots initiatives. Rallying and off-road racing have always been at the heart of my passion for motor sport, and I look forward to working with the FIA team and our partners to bring forward innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that will define the future of our sport.”
Andrew Wheatley said: “It has been a privilege and an education to work as part of the FIA team and witness the hard work and dedication of not only my colleagues, but the innovation, ingenuity and bravery of the competitors and the incredible commitment of the promoters. I also want to pay tribute to the event organisers and the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who work so tirelessly to support events, manage challenges and make the sport accessible to fans around the world, week in, week out. I am confident that the work being done now in the rally and off-road environments will create a very strong foundation for the future and we have every reason to be positive moving forward.”
