World Rally Championship
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Established in 1973, the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is an epic competition against the elements and the clock. It showcases high-performance cars derived from production vehicles and some of the world’s best drivers competing in dramatic surroundings: men and machines must master everything from forest tracks in winter conditions to rock-strewn mountain passes in blistering heat.
The 2019 season once again delivered an unpredictable and nail-biting battle for the title. As in 2018, three drivers emerged as the main title contenders – six-time champion Sébastien Ogier, who had returned to Citroën, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Toyota’s Ott Tänak. The twists and turns on the thirteen rounds resulted in intense highs and devastating lows, changing the face of the championship event by event. The thrilling fight ended with Tänak breaking Ogier’s hold on the WRC crown to become Estonia’s first World Rally Champion, while Hyundai clinched its maiden Manufacturers' title.
In 2020, the FIA WRC action has launched with a reshuffled driver linev-up taking on thirteen rallies across six continents. Japan’s comeback - mainstream Asia’s first appearance for 10 years - and the return of Kenya’s Safari Rally, one of motorsport’s legendary contests, provide a presence in the world’s largest two continents by size for the first time in more than two decades.
Ott Tänak has brought his 2019 claimed World title to Hyundai, teaming up with Thierry Neuville, a close championship rival over the last few seasons. Sébastien Loeb and Craig Breen are entered for a part-campaign in the i20 Coupe WRC. Toyota has started 2020 with an entirely refreshed line-up led by six-time champion Sébastien Ogier. Alongside the Frenchman, Elfyn Evans has his sights on the crown, while 19-year-old 2019 FIA WRC2 Pro champion Kalle Rovanperä makes his World Rally Car debut as the youngest ever full-time factory driver. Two more Finnish drivers are at M-Sport Ford team, with Esapekka Lappi joining Teemu Suninen, while Gus Greensmith has made plans to contest nine outings in a third Fiesta WRC. Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta has also started an expanded campaign in an additional Toyota Yaris WRC.
In the support championships, the FIA WRC2 class for FIA-endorsed manufacturer and private teams and run on Rally2 cars (formerly R5) features representatives such as Hyundai, M-Sport and PH Sport. The same specification car is used in the FIA WRC3 Championship for independent entrants. In order to continue supporting the progression of young talent, the successful format of the Junior WRC Championship remains unchanged.
The FIA R-GT Cup will be contested in 2020 over five events in the FIA WRC, European Rally Championship and European Rally Trophy.
Sport competitions
