Group T1

In relation to motorsport, Group T1 is a set of technical specifications for prototype cross-country cars used in off-road Cross-Country Rallying (also called Rally Raid). The group is governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and defined in appendix J, article 285 of its International Sporting Code.[1] The cars are single unit builds and may be based on a spaceframe chassis unlike the strict series production bodyshell requirement in Group T2. However, the engine must come from, or be derived from a production car able to be homologated in Group A, Group GT or Group T2. The cars must be powered by one engine and without driving aids such as traction control or ABS.

History

Group T1 was first introduced in 1990 when the generic Group T, introduced the year before, was divided into four specific categories of cross-country vehicles. Until 2003 T1 was for series production cross-country cars, and prototype cars were placed in Group T3.[2] However the modern arrangement, with T1 vehicles in Category II for competition vehicles, has been in place since 2004.[3] These cars have been competing in Baja Cross Country Rallies, Rally Raids and Marathon Rallies since their inception, including in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.

Classes

When competing in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, which includes the long established Dakar Rally, there are four classes within the group:[4]

  • T1.U - 'Ultimate' cars powered by electric motors, hydrogen combustion engine or hybrid combustion and electric
  • T1.1 - 4x4 cars (includes T1+ cross-country-type vehicles which permit larger size vehicles)
  • T1.2 - 4x2 cars
  • T1.3 - Cars complying with SCORE International regulations

Cars

Examples of each class include:

Manufacturer Model Image Debut Applications
Audi RS Q e-tron 2022 T1.U
Borgward BX7 Evo T1.1
Bowler Bulldog 2022 T1.1
Nemesis 2007
Wildcat 1998 T1.1
BMW X3 2009
Century Buggy T1.3
CR6 2021 T1.3
CR6-T 2024 T1.2
CR7 2024 T1.1
Chevrolet LCR30 T1.3
Dacia Sandrider 2024 T1.1
Ford Ranger T1+ 2023 T1.1
Raptor RS Cross Country 2024 T1.1
Raptor T1+ 2024 T1.1
GAZ NEXT 2020
GCK Thunder 2022 T1.U
Hummer H3 2010 T1.3
Mini All4 Racing 2011 T1.1
John Cooper Works Buggy 2017 T1.2
John Cooper Works Rally 2016 T1.1
Mitsubishi Lancer
Pajero 2002
Nissan NP300 Pickup 2020
Proto 2022 T1.1
VK56 2022 T1.1
Peugeot 3008 DKR 2017 T1.2
Prodrive Hunter 2021 T1.1
Rebellion DXX 2020 T1.3
Schlesser Buggy 1992 T1.1
Toyota Hilux Dakar 2012 T1.1
Volkswagen Tarek 2003 T1.3

See also

  • Cross-Country Cars
    • Group T1 - prototype
    • Group T2 - series production
  • Lightweight Cross-Country Vehicles
  • Cross-Country Trucks
    • Group T5 - prototype and series production

References

  1. ^ "Specific regulations for Prototype Cross-Country Cars (Group T1)" (PDF).
  2. ^ "Appendix J to the International Sporting Code, 1990 (classification, definitions and specifications of cars)" (PDF).
  3. ^ "2009 Appendix J, Article 285" (PDF).
  4. ^ "2022 CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY SPORTING REGULATIONS" (PDF).

FIA World Rally Raid Championship

FIA Cross Country Rallies Regulations