In 2025, motor sport enthusiasts can look forward to the return of the FIA World and European Rallycross Championships, now under the direct management of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). After months of evaluation and planning, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has committed to revitalizing these championships with fresh investment and a focus on growth.
The new FIA-led approach aims to double participation in motor sport and enhance the experience for drivers, teams, organizers, and sponsors alike. This revitalization comes at a time when interest in rallycross is on the rise, with over 30 million engaged viewers in more than 100 countries tuning in to watch the thrilling mix of speed and skill that rallycross offers.
“Rallycross is a thrill-a-minute, mixed surface discipline that has a huge potential for growth both in motor sport’s heartlands and in new regions,” said Ben Sulayem, emphasizing the sport’s broad appeal and opportunities for expansion.
The FIA is currently finalizing the event calendars for both championships, which are expected to include seven and six events, respectively. The announcement will be made by March 14, pending approval from the World Motor Sport Council. This accessibility is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the championships attract new fans and deliver additional value to sponsors and commercial partners.
In a bid to engage a wider audience, the FIA is also prioritizing free-to-air coverage and enhanced digital accessibility. This approach aims to broaden the championships’ reach, drawing in new fans while providing current supporters with an enriched experience. “The championship has huge potential to grow and develop at a global level,” remarked Emilia Abel, FIA Junior Road Sport Director. “I am confident that this new opportunity for the FIA to operate the championship brings with it a bright future.”
Collaboration is a vital component of this renewed strategy. The FIA will work closely with National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) to strengthen the progression pathway for off-road motor sport. This means creating clearer, more accessible pathways for aspiring drivers, starting from entry-level events all the way to the pinnacle of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
As a part of this new era, familiar partnerships are being solidified, with Volvo Construction Equipment and Hoosier Racing Tire Europe reaffirming their roles as official partners of the championships. Bill Law, Head of Brand Marketing & Communications for Volvo, expressed optimism about this collaboration, stating, “The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a fantastic format to raise awareness of the transition to a more sustainable future for our industry.”
Hoosier Racing Tire Europe’s Martin Heckers echoed this sentiment, highlighting the excitement for the upcoming racing events and the benefits it brings to both the sport and their brand.
The return of the FIA World and European Rallycross Championships underlines a commitment to not only investing in rallycross but also in the future of motor sport as a whole. Ben Sulayem encapsulated this vision succinctly: “The FIA is making an investment not only in Rallycross, but in the future of our sport. We are fully committed to take this category to the next level.”
Fans and competitors alike are eager to see how these developments unfold, as the 2025 season promises a new chapter in the journey of rallycross. With a clear strategy and collaborative spirit, the FIA aims to take the sport to new heights, ensuring its place in the hearts of motor sports fans for years to come.
