The Season
As the sun rises on the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), the anticipation is palpable. This year marks the 73rd edition of this illustrious series, continuing a rich tradition of rallying excellence. With eight rounds between April and October, the championship showcases a blend of five asphalt and three gravel events, traversing some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes. The warm, spirited atmosphere promises both challenge and celebration for teams and fans alike.
The calendar presents notable changes that invigorate the competition. Following the loss of the Rally Islas Canarias to the World Rally Championship (WRC), the debut of the Rally Sierra Morena in Córdoba serves as the new season opener. The championship reaches its pinnacle with the return of the Croatia Rally, a long-awaited return that connects the modern sporting spirit with the heritage of rallying.
The Key Drivers
As the engines roar to life, an impressive lineup of competitors emerges, each with their own compelling narratives that will unfold across the season. Leading the charge is Efrén Llarena from Spain, a former champion returning to reclaim his title with a Citroën C3 Rally2 that he oversees from his own team. His ambition echoes the resilience of past champions who have navigated the peaks and troughs of this sport.
Poland’s Miko Marczyk, fresh off a solid third-place finish in 2024, steps into his Škoda Fabia Rally2 with relentless determination. The pursuit of greatness fuels his journey, and the seasoned Mads Østberg a familiar face in the ERC after his WRC stints, will bring invaluable experience as he pilots his Citroën C3 Rally2.
Among the rising stars, Mille Johansson, who recently clinched the Junior ERC title, aims to carve his name deeper into the fabric of the sport. Jos Verstappen joins the field, having gained his rallying still in the Belgian Rally Championship and will seek to add to his F1 podiums and cement his reputation in the sport.
Former WRC ace, Stephane Lefebvre joins the Team MRF Tyres team for five rounds. With almost 30 Rally2 entries for the first round, and an expected raft of local specialists, like Paolo Andreucci, picking a potential champion is near impossible!
Round 1: Rally Sierra Morena
The season kicks off with the **42nd Rally Sierra Morena**, a test of both skill and endurance amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Córdoba, Spain. Set against a backdrop of Andalusian charm, the asphalt stages promise a rigorous challenge characterised by technical turns and elevation changes that will demand utmost precision from the drivers.
From April 4th to 6th, the excitement will reach fever pitch as participants navigate through the stunning Iberian terrain, bringing fans and competitors together in a celebration of motorsport. This inaugural event is not just a race; it is where stories begin. Here, ambitions ignite, and reputations are built or crumbled in the heat of competition.
As teams gear up for an exhilarating season ahead, the Rally Sierra Morena heralds the start of what promises to be yet another unforgettable chapter in the legacy of the FIA European Rally Championship. Rally enthusiasts and casual observers alike will be watching closely as the next generation of talent faces off on this grand stage.
