The mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica, France, hosts round two of the 2019 FIA Junior WRC Championship from March 28 – 31, as 13 drivers look to follow in the footsteps of some of the FIA WRC’s biggest stars. Five of 2018’s entrants are joined by eight FIA Junior WRC rookies, from 10 different countries representing three continents.

FIA Junior WRC

The FIA Junior WRC Championship is the sport’s ultra-competitive entry level series, giving rally stars of the future an occasion to climb FIA WRC’s ladder of opportunity. It is the ultimate test for rally crews on a completely level playing field, thanks to all drivers using identical equipment and having equal resources available to them on each event. It means that crews must focus on every detail of rallying in order to be successful.

The points awarded for each round will be awarded to Junior WRC drivers and co-drivers, following the same points structure as FIA WRC drivers, and FIA Junior WRC also awards points for stage wins. For added excitement, double points are awarded on the last rally of the season, provided the driver has entered and started at least three of the previous FIA Junior WRC rounds of 2019.

The 2019 FIA Junior WRC champion will not only join an illustrious list of names including Sébastien Loeb, Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans, but they will also receive an unparalleled prize package. The biggest prize will be outright ownership of a 2019 R5 with free FIA WRC 2 registration from the FIA and five free FIA WRC 2 entries for 2019.

Sweden reflection

On home territory, Tom Kristensson opened his FIA Junior WRC Championship with a calculated and measured victory. The FIA Junior WRC Rally Sweden podium was made up entirely of championship rookies with Roland Poom and Jan Solans in second and third respectively. The result was only a hint of the drama and excitement surrounding the start of the series.

Corsica Tests crews to the limit

The all-asphalt Tour de Corse presents another challenge for the WRC’s next generation of superstars, one that contrasts greatly to the season-opening snow and ice of Rally Sweden.

Known as ‘The rally of 10,000 corners’, the Tour de Corse presents each FIA Junior WRC crew an intense physical and mental challenge that can see crews tested to and beyond their limits. It is the perfect rally for crews to push and develop themselves in their bid for FIA WRC stardom.

Due to the high number of twists and turns, a meticulously-prepared set of pace-notes are key to emerging victorious on Tour de Corse. The soft and forgiving snow banks of Sweden have been swapped for merciless rock faces, deep ditches and treacherous drops. Even the slightest mistake on this island rally could spell disaster for a crew’s rally and even their championship hopes.

Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director, said:

“The FIA Junior WRC Championship is an integral part of the FIA’s rallying activities, especially when it comes to nurturing and developing young talents. The FIA WRC is the perfect environment for a potential rally star to learn their craft which is one of the central pillars of the FIA Junior WRC Championship. The championship has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to seek out future champions thanks to the highly successful formula of competing on key FIA WRC rally stages while providing a fair and level playing field. Affordability and competitiveness are two key criteria young rally drivers prioritise in order to best demonstrate their abilities. The FIA Junior WRC Championship achieves both of these but with the added benefit of being in front of the world’s best rally teams, drivers and media. Among the 14 World Rally Car drivers starting Rally Sweden this year, seven drivers have competed as Juniors - and between them these seven drivers have now won 157 WRC events. It underlines the importance of the FIA Junior WRC as an accessible stepping stone to the FIA World Rally Championship. We wish all the competitors in the 2019 FIA Junior WRC Championship the best of luck!”

After Sweden and Corsica, the five round championship will move to Italy, Finland and Great-Britain.

Rally Sweden Results:

1. Tom Kristensson (SWE) / Henrik Appelskog (SWE) 3:14:48.9

2. Roland Poom (EST) / Ken Jarveoja (EST) +1:31.2

3. Jan Solans (SPA) / Mauro Barreiro (SPA) +4:09.2

4. Tom Williams (GBR)  / Phil Hall (GBR) +6:53.4

5. Sean Johnston (USA) / Alex Kihurani (USA) +11:43.1

6. Martins Sesks (LVA) / Krisjanis Caune (LVA) +13:20.9

7. Enrico Oldrati (ITA) / Elia de Guio (ITA) +16:23.8

8. Dennis Rådström (SWE) / Johan Johansson (SWE) +23:31.1

9. Fabrizio Zaldivar (PRY) / Fernando Mussano (ARG) +23:47.0

10. Ken Torn (EST) / Kuldar Sikk (EST) +24:00.0