Group B was banned from the World Rally Championship primarily due to escalating safety concerns that culminated in a fatal accident during the 1986 season, leading the sport's governing body to take decisive action.
The Downfall of Group B Rallying
The Group B era, while celebrated for its powerful and spectacular rally cars, also presented significant safety challenges. These vehicles, characterized by immense power and lightweight construction, often raced on stages with minimal crowd control, leading to a number of incidents throughout their short history.
The Tragic Catalyst
The definitive event that led to the ban occurred during the 1986 Tour de Corse rally. On May 2, 1986, Lancia Delta S4 driver Henri Toivonen and his co-driver Sergio Cresto were tragically killed when their car plunged down a ravine and exploded. This devastating accident was the immediate and decisive factor in the sport's decision to ban Group B.
Following this incident, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) acted swiftly:
- Immediate Ban: The FIA announced that Group B cars would be prohibited from competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) starting from the 1987 season.
- Future Plans Scrapped: Prior plans to introduce an even more extreme category, Group S, were immediately dropped.
- New Top Tier: Group A, a category based on production cars with stricter regulations regarding engine size and power, was designated as the new top-line formula for the WRC, with engine limits set at 2000 cc and approximately 300 bhp.
The ban marked the end of an era known for its raw speed and technological innovation, ushering in a period focused on enhancing safety for both competitors and spectators within the sport.
