The Rally Pyramid initiative was approved by the FIA in June 2018, and Group Rally5 was launched the following year in 2019. Its technical formula was derived directly from the existing R1 class within the older Group R system, with the defining ruleset simply replacing the R1 terminology. This meant that any car homologated or approved under R1 regulations since their introduction in 2008 could continue to compete under Rally5 rules without modification or re-homologation. The subclasses previously defined within R1 were merged, and the permitted displacement limit for turbocharged engines was increased to 1,333 cc.
Group Rally5 cars are defined under FIA Appendix J, Article 260 as touring cars or large-scale series production cars using a supercharged petrol engine — including rotary engines — with two-wheel drive (either front or rear). A base production touring car must have at least 2,500 identical units manufactured to qualify for Group A homologation, with the additional requirements for Rally5 compliance covered in a homologation extension. Cars in the category have a power-to-weight ratio of 6.4 kg per horsepower.
The regulations are deliberately permissive compared to higher Rally groups. Only three elements require specific homologation: the bodyshell with integrated safety cage, the seat mountings, and the harness — the latter two already governed by their own sections of Appendix J. Beyond those elements, most original Group A components may be retained or freely replaced, subject always to the Rally5 performance criteria being met. Bodyshells homologated under Group Rally4 regulations are also accepted for Rally5 competition, potentially widening the pool of eligible cars.
Rally5 cars compete in the FIA's RC5 sporting class, which has no subclasses — all Rally5 cars compete together in the same category. National rallying federations also permit Rally5 cars to enter their domestic championships, giving the category broad reach across amateur and club-level competition worldwide.
In July 2024 the FIA announced that a slightly modified version of the Group Rally5 specification would be eligible to compete in circuit touring car racing under the designation TC Lite 5 (TCL5) from 2025, extending the category's reach beyond stage rallying.
A range of production-based cars have been homologated or approved under the Rally5 specification, typically small-displacement hatchbacks suited to national and regional championship use. Cars homologated under Group Rally4 — such as the Opel Corsa Rally4 and Peugeot 208 Rally4 — are also eligible for Rally5 competition where their bodyshells meet the applicable criteria.
Group Rally5 serves as the bottom rung of the FIA Rally Pyramid, providing an affordable entry point for drivers moving into internationally regulated competition. Its compatibility with the former R1 class ensured continuity for existing competitors at the launch of the Pyramid system, while the relaxed technical rules keep running costs manageable. The category is the primary pathway for amateur and semi-professional rally drivers seeking FIA-sanctioned competition before progressing toward Group Rally4 and the higher tiers of international rallying.