The 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season launched in style against the glimmering backdrop of Monaco’s iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo. Sunday evening’s ceremony brought together motorsport stars, dignitaries, and fans to celebrate a new chapter for the WRC, complete with exciting team changes and a groundbreaking partnership with Hankook Tire.
A Solemn Tribute
The evening began with a heartfelt tribute to His Excellency Mr. Didier Guillaume, the Minister of State of Monaco, who passed away on January 17. The WRC community extended its sympathies to his family and colleagues, honoring his contributions to the principality and its enduring connection to motorsport.
A Star-Studded Affair
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel, and Hankook Tire Motorsport Senior Director Manfred Sandbichler led the evening alongside notable figures such as Automobile Club de Monaco General Commissioner Eric Barrabino and SBM Director General Albert Manzone.
Among the highlights was the sight of reigning world champion Thierry Neuville proudly displaying the number one on his Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Reflecting on his 2024 triumph, Neuville expressed determination for the new season, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the same competitive spirit.
Driver Line-Up Shuffles
The 2025 season brings a reshaped driver roster, promising intense competition. Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, transitioning to Hyundai, joins Neuville and Ott Tänak. Fourmaux expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, citing a new car, team, and tyres as key motivators.
Sami Pajari steps into a full-time role with Toyota Gazoo Racing, bolstering the team alongside Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, and Kalle Rovanperä. The young Finn, a former FIA Junior WRC champion, shared his excitement about the season while acknowledging the pressure that lies ahead.
Meanwhile, Irishman Josh McErlean debuts in M-Sport Ford overalls, calling the opportunity a dream come true.
Adding to the excitement, eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier will compete in selected rounds, including the season-opener, as he pursues a record 10th Monte Carlo victory.
Hankook Tire Joins the WRC
Marking a significant milestone, Hankook Tire begins its inaugural journey as a WRC partner. Speaking at the event, Manfred Sandbichler highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence, calling the partnership “the start of a legend.”
Looking Ahead to Rallye Monte-Carlo
The Monte Carlo Rally officially begins on Thursday, featuring three electrifying stages in the French Alps. This season-opening event is revered for its unique blend of heritage and challenge, setting the tone for 11 months of intense competition across four continents.
WRC Promoter’s Jona Siebel emphasized the importance of the Monte Carlo Rally, describing it as a privilege to launch the season at such a historic venue.
The Road Ahead
The 2025 WRC calendar promises a thrilling journey through snow, ice, asphalt, dirt, and gravel, as competitors vie for the championship title. With a reshuffled roster, a new tyre partner, and an array of seasoned veterans and rising stars, this season is poised to be one of the most exciting in WRC history.
Key Highlights from the 2025 WRC Launch:
- Location: Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
- Notable Attendees: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel, Hankook Tire Motorsport Senior Director Manfred Sandbichler
- Driver Updates: Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai), Sami Pajari (Toyota), Josh McErlean (M-Sport Ford)
- New Tyre Partner: Hankook Tire
- Season Opener: Monte Carlo Rally, January 2025
2025 WRC Calendar:
- Rallye Monte-Carlo
- Date: 23 – 26 January
- Location: Monaco, France
- Surface: Tarmac
- Service Park: Gap
- Overview: The season kicks off amidst the glitz of Monte-Carlo, offering treacherous mountain roads and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Rally Sweden
- Date: 13 – 16 February
- Location: Umeå, Sweden
- Surface: Snow
- Overview: The championship’s only full-snow event, featuring high-speed stages through Sweden’s frozen forests.
- Safari Rally Kenya
- Date: 20 – 23 March
- Location: Kenya
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: A return to the iconic African savannahs, challenging crews with rough terrains and unpredictable wildlife encounters.
- Rally Islas Canarias
- Date: 24 – 27 April
- Location: Spain
- Surface: Tarmac
- Overview: Marking WRC’s return to Spain, this rally offers smooth tarmac roads with potential fog challenges in mountainous areas.
- Vodafone Rally de Portugal
- Date: 15 – 18 May
- Location: Portugal
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Known for its enthusiastic fans and technical gravel stages, this rally is a staple in the WRC calendar.
- Rally Italia Sardegna
- Date: 5 – 8 June
- Location: Italy
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Featuring narrow, twisty stages with a mix of fast and technical sections on the picturesque island of Sardinia.
- EKO Acropolis Rally Greece
- Date: 26 – 29 June
- Location: Greece
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Known as the “Rally of Gods,” it presents rough mountain roads and high temperatures, testing both man and machine.
- Delfi Rally Estonia
- Date: 17 – 20 July
- Location: Estonia
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Characterized by its fast, smooth gravel roads and numerous jumps, offering a high-speed spectacle.
- Secto Rally Finland
- Date: 31 July – 3 August
- Location: Finland
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Famous for its roller-coaster gravel roads and massive jumps, it’s a favorite among drivers and fans alike.
- Rally del Paraguay
- Date: 28 – 31 August
- Location: Paraguay
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Making its WRC debut, Paraguay offers red gravel roads alongside the stunning Paraná River, introducing new challenges.
- Rally Chile Bio Bío
- Date: 11 – 14 September
- Location: Chile
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Returning to South America, this rally features diverse stages from coastal roads to mountainous terrains.
- Central European Rally
- Date: 16 – 19 October
- Location: Germany, Czech Republic, Austria
- Surface: Tarmac
- Overview: A unique event traversing three countries, offering mixed tarmac surfaces and varying weather conditions.
- FORUM8 Rally Japan
- Date: 6 – 9 November
- Location: Japan
- Surface: Tarmac
- Overview: Set in the mountains of Japan, this rally combines narrow roads with scenic beauty, demanding precision driving.
- Rally Saudi Arabia
- Date: 27 – 30 November
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Surface: Gravel
- Overview: Concluding the season, this debut event offers diverse terrains, from desert dunes to rocky tracks, testing endurance.
The 2025 WRC season promises a thrilling mix of traditional rallies and fresh challenges, showcasing the sport’s global appeal and the versatility of its competitors.
Source: WRC
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
