WRC set to launch into a new era in Monte Carlo

Share

The Thrill of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship: A New Era Begins

As the frost settles on the iconic roads of the French Alps, the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship is poised to ignite passions and exhilarate fans anew at the much-anticipated Rallye Monte-Carlo. From January 22-26, this legendary event marks its 93rd iteration, leading the charge for an exciting season ahead.

2020 Rallye Monte Carlo and WRC season launch. Monaco. Shot by Sam Tickell for RacerViews.com

This year promises a fresh twist with a series of innovative adjustments to the technical regulations, an expanded race calendar, and the introduction of a new official tyre supplier. As factory teams representing Hyundai, M-Sport Ford, and Toyota gear up for the competitive title chase, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown.

With a remarkable entry of 70 cars from a total of 92 registrations—featuring numerous priority crews—the anticipation is palpable. Behind the scenes, the success of this event relies heavily on the tireless efforts of over two thousand dedicated volunteers and marshals, whose commitment ensures a safe and seamless experience for all involved.

While Rallye Monte-Carlo is classified as a Tarmac event, it famously challenges drivers with unpredictable wintry weather conditions. Ice and snow can transform the picturesque roads into a formidable test of skill and strategy, and competitors must navigate the often inconsistent grip levels that characterize these mountain courses.

In a groundbreaking shift, Hankook Tire takes over as the FIA WRC’s official tyre supplier, promising to redefine the grip dynamics this season. While competitors anticipate lower overall grip levels than in recent years, Hankook’s Ventus range—offering soft and super soft options, alongside the i*Cept SR20 snow tyre—will equip drivers with the essential tools to tackle the treacherous terrain. The Dynapro tyre will be unveiled for the gravel rounds later in the season, further showcasing Hankook’s commitment to excellence.

The 2025 season introduces lighter, simpler, and more cost-effective Rally1 cars, which will serve as the pinnacle of the WRC classification. Significantly, these vehicles will continue to utilize 100% sustainable fuel, aligning with the championship’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The minimum vehicle weight has been reduced from 1260 kilograms to 1180 kilograms, ensuring heightened performance while maintaining a competitive edge. To balance the power-to-weight ratio between the 2024 and 2025 models, the air restrictor size has seen a reduction from 36mm to 35mm.

In a strategic move to reward outright victories, the championship points allocation has evolved for 2025. Now structured on a sliding scale of 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for the top ten finishers, this new system retains the excitement through a separate Sunday allocation of 5-4-3-2-1. Drivers can now amass up to 35 points in a single event, a tantalizing incentive that makes every rally leg crucial.

This year also marks a notable expansion of the championship calendar, increasing from 13 to 14 rounds. The WRC will venture into new territories, including the Spanish island of Gran Canaria, Paraguay, and Saudi Arabia, enriching the diversity of this global series. The return of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece to its historic June slot and the revival of Delfi Rally Estonia, previously part of the FIA European Rally Championship, further highlight the exciting landscape drivers will navigate. With the introduction of the all-new Rally Saudi Arabia as the season’s final showdown and Forum8 Rally Japan as the penultimate contest, the stakes have never been higher.

Amid these changes, one key transition stands out: Nicolas Klinger has been appointed as the new FIA WRC Safety Delegate, stepping into the role following the illustrious tenure of Michèle Mouton. Filling Klinger’s former position as Deputy Safety Delegate is Estonia’s Priit Priimägi, ensuring that safety remains paramount in this exhilarating championship.

As the countdown to Rallye Monte-Carlo begins, the fervor surrounding the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship is reaching a crescendo. With its blend of tradition, innovation, and thrilling unpredictability, this season promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fans and participants alike. Buckle up; the adventure is just getting started.