The resurgence in manufacturer support for the WRC could be set to take another step with word coming Fiat is keen to join the sport. The Italian auto giant would likely use its performance Abarth brand with a view to start racing in 2013 or 2014.
Already competing in lower level rally competitions such as the IRC, it’s expected Abarth would upgrade its current Punto S2000 to WRC spec. Although, it would be nice to see a Fiat 500-based machine in action.
It will be great news for WRC if this rumour comes to fruition and follows the recent additions of MINI and Volkswagen to the series.
[Source: Autoblog]
4 replies on “Is Fiat the next manufacturer to join the WRC?”
The mini R56 was too small to comply with the FIA regs, hence the mini clubman is the mini WRC variant.
The fiat, no way possible. I also believe the rumours about the polo are unlikely for the same reasons
Yes, the size of the Fiat 500 certainly crossed my mind too. But the Polo has been confirmed, it’s not rumour any more.
An old school fiat abarth rally car!!
http://www.asphotos.com.au/samples/abarthbega.jpg 😉
think it’s gonna be grande punto not 500