British motorsport preparation specialist, JRM, has welcomed the FIA’s confirmation to amend the existing R4 technical regulations for the 2015 season and has launched a build programme to produce 2015-specification Subaru WRX STI rally cars (see artist impressions) that will meet the revised R4 regulations.
In 2013, the FIA decided that the current R4 regulations – which permit a number of performance-enhancing modifications to an N4 car – will not be continued in 2015.
As part of the regulation changes for 2015, the FIA has ruled that the new-for-2015 R4 category will adopt current N4 technical regulations – for production-specification cars up to 2000cc.
Cars built to the current R4 regulations will therefore only be allowed to compete in the events of non-European FIA championships from 1 January 2015. “The FIA’s decision is excellent news for competitors because it will reduce costs, bring a level playing field in competition and embrace true production-specification rallying,” JRM’s Special Projects Manager, Nigel Riddle explained.
JRM, which has been competing in the FIA European Rally Championship as part of an official partnership with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) – the motorsport division of Subaru – has now accelerated the design and development for its 2015 programme.
Riddle confirmed: “We will have a 2015-specification Subaru WRX STI car homologated and ready for the upcoming R4 season. It will be ideal for FIA rally championships in Europe, particularly the new ERC2 category that is sure to prove popular with competitors that want to win a title but don’t have the budget to win the overall ERC title that is reserved for R5 and S2000 cars.”
JRM will complete its 2014 ERC campaign at this weekend’s Tour de Corse. The team’s 2014-specification N4 Subaru WRX STI has performed strongly in the two events it has entered so far in the hands of three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins.
It set a number of fastest stage times at both the Barum Czech Rally Zlin and the Rallye International du Valais. The car will be driven by multiple British champion Keith Cronin in Corsica.
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