The Proton Iriz R5 is an FIA-homologated and purpose-built rally car that can participate in World Rally Championship (WRC) and other FIA-sanctioned rally events around the world.

To compete, any potential car must go through a rigorous and strict homologation to ensure the racecar meets the required safety, class and racing standards, as set by the FIA governing body.

Through some previously unreleased images courtesy of Proton Motorsport, we now have a rare behind the scenes look at the homologation process.

The homologation process starts directly at the factory. This is where FIA officials first thoroughly inspect the Proton Iriz model to determine its overall quality.

As the Iriz R5 competes in Rally 2 category (previously called R5, hence its name), its design is very sophisticated. The chassis is modified to incorporate the transmission tunnel, all-wheel drive system, an FT3 fuel bladder, widened wheel arches, and a pseudo-MacPherson suspension setup at the rear.

The engine must be derived from one used in series production – in the case of the Iriz R5, it uses a Mitsubishi 4B11T (as featured in the Mitsubishi Evolution X) downsized from 2.0 litres to 1.6 litres to meet class regulations.

Power output is in the range of 290 PS.

Given the high level of performance, the Iriz R5 must be able to accommodate a complete safety cage system and at least 60 litres of high-density foam in the doors to absorb energy in the case of an accident.

All Rally 2 cars are built based on a kit homologated by the FIA and sold by speciality race outfit Oreca.

These are some other facts about the Rally 2 Class to geek out on:

After thoroughly inspecting the Iriz and taking detailed measurements as well as analysing various data sets about the production vehicle, the Iriz was then given the green light for prototyping and homologation.

The Iriz is one just 10 models from around the world that currently qualifies for FIA Rally 2 class standards.

Other models include the Ford Fiesta R5, Volkswagen Polo GTi R5, Hyundai i20 and Citroen C3 R5.

Under the homologation structures, the Iriz R5 can campaign in FIA-sanctioned rally events from now till the end of the 2025 season.