Where Is The 2024 WRC Calendar?

The 2024 WRC Calendar has yet to be released, it’s gotta be released soon right? But when could it be released? Find out below. 

A Possible Delay 

It was previously reported that the 2024 WRC Calendar was to be released before Greece. Well, Greece finished just over a week ago and still no calendar. So where is it? Is possible that the WRC and FIA are held up by an event? As for the 2024 calendar to be confirmed, all events have to be confirmed. If an event is struggling to get permits to run or is having another issue it could delay the calendar. We know basically the entire calendar already. As all but 3 event slots are confirmed. The remaining slots will likely be filled by Croatia Rally, Rally Japan and Rally Poland or Argentina. It’s possible that any one of these events are holding the release of the 2024 calendar up. It’s also possible the FIA and WRC are just waiting until October to release it.

When Could The 2024 WRC Calendar Be Released? 

The earliest the 2024 calendar could be released is Rally Chile BioBio in just under 2 weeks time. It’s also possible it’s unveiled as late as the Central European Rally in October. The calendar will probably be released sometime between Chile and Europe. That is if everything goes according to schedule. 

Why The 2024 WRC Calendar Needs To Come Out Soon

The 2024 Calendar doesn’t just tell fans when a WRC event is taking place. It also is normally the start of silly season talks and talks of drivers retiring and such. Most drivers, unless they are 100% sure they want to retire, don’t retire until after they see the next season’s calendar. It’ll also be the kind of true start to contract negotiations. Which have been silently taking place, but nothing has really materialized. Things will likely stay this way after the calendar is released. As everyone will likely remain with who they currently drive for. Besides maybe Ott Tänak and a few others. Nobody really wants to make a move until they see what’s next for the WRC. 

Pirelli announced earlier this week it would not be the tire supplier for the WRC past the 2024 season. So who could replace them? 

Michelin 

Michelin was the main tire supplier for the WRC from the start of the 2011 season, until the end of the 2020 season. Of course, other tires were used within this timeframe. Such as Pirelli and D-Mack. However, those were pretty much only used by privateers and teams sponsored by said tire brand. Michelin has already been involved in rumours regarding who could become the WRC’s trite supplier in 2025 and beyond. Michelin would make sense for the WRC to choose. As they have past experience with the brand, and it’s one some drivers will be familiar with. Due to the previous experience with the WRC and overall having the budget and brand recognition, Michelin will probably be the new tire supplier for the WRC after 2024. 

MRF Tyre

MRF Tyre is currently used in the ERC by their own team and some other drivers. The MRF Tyre team has won the Teams championship in the ERC the past two seasons. Proving the tire can do good at rally events. Plus with it being used in the ERC, the FIA and WRC get to see firsthand how the tire holds up. If MRF were to become the main tire supplier for the WRC it’s likely their team will come along with them. Whether or not this is in the Rally1 class is a different story. However, if it is in the Rally1 class. It’s another positive for the WRC as another team, even if it’s not a new manufacturer is needed in the WRC. 

Yokohama 

Yokohama is a bit of a dark horse. As they haven’t been used by any of the FIA’s rally championships. However, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been used in rallies. Yokohama is the main tire supplier for Subaru Motorsports USA. The biggest issue with tires is normally how easily they debeed or get punctured. Yokohama, much like Michelin would have the budget to do such a large venture. However is Yokohama ready for something as large as the WRC? Only time will truly tell if they are ready for that big of a venture.

 Pirelli To Leave The WRC After 2024

Sebastien Loeb has been absent from the WRC since the beginning of the season. What could be next for the 9-time champion?

A WRC Return?

Sebastien Loeb has won the most World Rally Championships in WRC history. Taking home a whopping 9 of them. Loeb also owns a handful of other WRC records. Including most rally wins, stage wins and podium finishes. Could Loeb return to the WRC next season? It’s a possibility but unlikely. As Loeb’s spot at M-Sport was lost after the team signed Ott Tänak which took all their funding. Loeb could find himself a seat with Toyota or Hyundai next season, however. That being if a seat opens up between now and January. Which is unlikely unless Dani Sordo doesn’t return to Hyundai. The 49-year-old would be welcomed back into the WRC paddocks with open arms. Loeb’s knowledge of the sport could be usual for a team looking to develop new drivers. 

World RX? 

After Loeb was pushed out of the WRC, he turned back to the World RX. Things were going decently for Loeb until they weren’t. As his World RX season ended abruptly after the Special One Racing team cars and tents caught fire. Ending the team’s season and freeing Loeb’s calendar completely. Loeb did compete and win a RX event in a different championship recently. Winning an event in Loheac of the French RX championship. Loeb could stick to Rallycross next season if a team picks him up. Before this season Loeb had driven for the Hansen World Rallycross Team in 2016,2017 and 2018. Finishing 5th in the championship in 2016 and 4th in 2017 and 2018. 

Extreme E? 

Loeb returned to Extreme E this past weekend with the ABT CUPRA XE team. Loeb and Klara Andersson took home podiums on both days at the IslandXPrix. Finishing second on day one and third on the second day. Could Loeb return to Extreme E for more than just one event? Only time will tell if that’s what the Frenchman does. Loeb won the 2022 Extreme E championship with Team X44. He also finished second in the championship with Team X44 in 2021. 

Retirement 

This is probably the least likely option for Loeb. As the 49-year-old appears to still want to compete in Motorsport events. Even if it’s just occasionally. Loeb has nothing left to really prove, however. As he’s won 9 WRC championships, an Extreme E championship, and a bunch of other things. For Loeb, it’s more or less about fun now. With Loeb still driving like he is, why retire? It’s still enjoyable for him and he can still bring it to anybody. So it’s unlikely Loeb will retire unless there are no opportunities for him. 

Earlier this week the full car list for EA Sports WRC was released. What cars will the game contain at launch? Find out below.

What Cars Will Be In The Game?

EA Sports WRC will feature a wide variety of historic and modern WRC cars. With everything from a 1960s Mini Cooper to the championship-winning Toyota’s of today. The full car list includes 78 different vehicles across 18 different classes. Those classes are the same as Dirt Rally 2 (minus GT), with the addition of WRC classes. What cars will be in the game and what surprises does the list include? Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Full List 

WRC Car List

• Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID
• Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID
• Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID

WRC2 * Cars

• Citroën C3 Rally2
• Ford Fiesta Rally2
• Hyundai i20 N Rally2
• ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 Evo
• ŠKODA Fabia RS Rally2
• Volkswagen Polo GTI R5

Junior WRC

• Ford Fiesta Rally3

World Rally Cars 2017-2021

• Ford Fiesta WRC
• Volkswagen Polo 2017

World Rally Cars 1997-2011

• Citroën C4 WRC
• Citroën Xsara WRC
• Ford Focus RS Rally 2001
• Ford Focus RS Rally 2008
• MINI Countryman Rally Edition
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
• Peugeot 206 Rally
• Seat Córdoba WRC
• ŠKODA Fabia WRC
• SUBARU Impreza 1998
• SUBARU Impreza 2001
• SUBARU Impreza 2008

Rally2 *

• Ford Fiesta R5 MK7 Evo 2
• Peugeot 208 T16 R5

Rally4 Cars

• Ford Fiesta MK8 Rally4
• Opel Adam R2
• Peugeot 208 Rally4
• Renault Twingo II

NR4/R4

• McRae R4
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
• SUBARU WRX STI NR4

S2000

• Fiat Grande Punto Abarth S2000
• Opel Corsa S2000
• Peugeot 207 S2000

S1600

• Citroën C2 Super 1600
• Citroën Saxo Super 1600
• Ford Puma S1600
• Renault Clio S1600

F2 Kit Cars

• Ford Escort Mk 6 Maxi
• Peugeot 306 Maxi
• Renault Maxi Mégane
• Seat Ibiza Kit Car
• Vauxhall Astra Rally Car
• Volkswagen Golf IV Kit Car

Group A

• Ford Escort RS Cosworth
• Lancia Delta HF Integrale
• Mitsubishi Galant VR4
• SUBARU Impreza 1995
• SUBARU Legacy RS

Group B (4WD) Car List

• Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2)
• Ford RS200
• Lancia Delta S4
• MG Metro 6R4
• Peugeot 205 T16 Evo 2

Group B (RWD)

• BMW M1 Procar Rally
• Lancia 037 Evo 2
• Opel Manta 400
• Porsche 911 SC RS

H3 (RWD)

• BMW M3 Evo Rally
• Ford Escort MK2 McRae Motorsport
• Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500
• Lancia Stratos
• Opel Ascona 400
• Renault 5 Turbo

H2 (RWD)

• Alpine Renault A110 1600 S
• Fiat 131 Abarth Rally
• Ford Escort MK2
• Hillman Avenger
• Opel Kadett C GT/E
• Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

H2 (FWD)

• Peugeot 205 GTI
• Peugeot 309 GTI
• Volkswagen Golf GTI

H1 (FWD)

• Lancia Fulvia HF
• MINI Cooper S
• Vauxhall Nova Sport

Builder Cars

• WRC Builder Car
• WRC2 Builder Car *
• Junior WRC Builder Car

The Surprises 

Fans of the game were quick to take notice of some unexpected cars. Namely the Sköda Córdoba Rally which was last featured in Colin McRae Rally 2. Others include the Vauxhall Astra Rally Car, Ford Escort Mk 6 Maxi and the McRae R4 among others. The list doesn’t feature too many surprises as it’s mostly just content from Dirt Rally 2. However, the list is definitely comparable or better than the one in WRC Generations. Sure EA Sports WRC won’t feature as many of the more modern World Rally Cars such as the Citroen C3 and the Toyota Yaris but that’s minor. 

What’s Next To Be Revealed?

Next up on the list for EA Sports WRC reveals is a gameplay deep dive. Something that should give us a lot more to talk about. Seeing as we’ve only gotten a single video with maybe 30 seconds of actual gameplay footage. Which as a result doesn’t tell us much in terms of what to expect at all. The gameplay deep dive will likely come out sometime in the next week or so. Keep your eyes peeled. 

Pirelli has announced it would be leaving the WRC after their contract expires at the end of the 2024 WRC season. 

Leaving 

In a statement released on Pirelli’s website, the Italian company stated, “Pirelli has not submitted its candidature to supply the FIA World Rally Championship from 2025-2027. As a result, the Italian firm will conclude its partnership as a single supplier to the WRC in 2024, having achieved the targets set three years ago at the start of the current contract. Pirelli – present in more than 350 motorsport championships around the world – remains committed to rallying, and will continue its participation in all the other rally competitions in which it is currently involved. These include the FIA European Rally Championship, won this year by Hayden Paddon in a Pirelli-equipped Hyundai. The ERC is organised by the same promoter as the WRC, with a number of different tyre manufacturers taking part. Pirelli is also present in more than 40 national rally championships worldwide, as well as a wide variety of other events for modern and historic rally cars.” 

What Does This Mean for The WRC?

Pirelli has been the lone tire supplier for the WRC since 2021. With Perilli now leaving the championship it leaves a door open for other tire suppliers. Such as Michelin, MRF, or others. The WRC and FIA will have just over a year to get a new tire supplier. Although they will likely have the answer part way through the 2024 calendar. Whoever gets selected will be the supplier the WRC feels fits the series best. While also handling the many different conditions the WRC goes through. 

Who Could Replace Pirelli?

I’m not going to get too deep into who could replace Pirelli in this article. However, there will be an article about this exact subject. Will be coming out in a couple of days right here on Speed Trap Magazine. 

The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team hasn’t had the greatest luck at recent WRC events, but why is this? 

Reliability Issues

The biggest issue plaguing the M-Sport Puma’s is reliability. With both Ott Tänak and Pierre-Louis Loubet experiencing issues. Tänak’s issues have arguably been worse than Loubet’s however. As mechanical issues have taken Tänak out of the running for the championship. An engine issue in Estonia, broken oil pan in Finland, and a water pump issue in Greece. You may say to yourself the oil pan breaking wasn’t a fault of M-Sport, and you’d be correct. However, that still doesn’t excuse the other issues Tänak has faced. Luckily whenever he’s encountered an issue he’s been able to remain in the event. Pushing back as far as he could in Estonia and finishing 4th in Greece despite penalties. Loubet has also had issues, namely a water pump issue in Greece. What could M-Sport do to fix these issues?

More Funding

It’s no secret that M-Sport is severely underfunded compared to Hyundai and Toyota. With M-Sport having little backing from Ford for the world rally team. This provides a multitude of issues for the team. Namely not being able to develop the cars to be in line with the Hyundai’s and Toyota’s. If M-Sport can get more funding to do more testing and R&D for the Puma it could be more consistent. Obviously, it’s nearly impossible to predict what will happen during a rally. However, the team can work to make their engine more reliable. Getting more funding would also help M-Sport add more drivers to their line-up. Something that is deeply needed.
M-Sport has two options to fix their funding issue, either get more involvement from Ford. Which probably won’t happen seeing as Ford is entering F1. Alternatively, they can look for a large sponsor. This year they have Redbull who gave funding to sign Ott Tänak. Chances are Redbull won’t fully sponsor the team but could give a bit of money like they have in the past with Sebastien Loeb and Ott Tänak among others. Ultimately Redbull isn’t the likely solution to their funding problems, that’ll likely be solved via another source. Who that other source will be is unknown. Castrol could be an option, they’ve sponsored teams in the past. 

Why Is Reliability Worse This Year?

The Puma’s reliability has seemed to have gotten worse since last season. The reason for this is unknown, but it’s probably to do with the car being pushed consistently. Not that Breen and others weren’t pushing the car consistently last season. Tänak is pushing the car in a different manner. He’s trying to get everything out of it, which works sometimes but oftentimes doesn’t when the car isn’t great to begin with.
Tänak has voiced his displeasure with the Puma throughout the season. Even going as far as to say the car can’t win. Although he did win Rally Sweden in the car, that doesn’t mean much. Tänak wants to win, as does anybody. The difference between Tänak and any of the Hyundai or Toyota drivers is the car. The Toyota’s and Hyundai’s are built to win rallies pretty comfortably. The Puma isn’t built to that same level. Forcing Tänak to push the car to 110% of its ability to try and match the other cars. This is where the issues arise. The car isn’t built to be pushed consistently and that’s when the mechanical issues normally happen. You may say to yourself, “Well why keep pushing then?” Because winning is why Tänak and others go out there. 
Reliability likely isn’t any worse than it was last year, it’s just more noticeable. As last season the car was either crashed, out of the event or wasn’t being pushed meaning nothing could happen. Reliability is likely the only thing holding the car back from winning more events. As Loeb and Tänak have proven the car can win and can compete. It’s just finding the consistency in the car and driver.

Colin McRae passed away 16 years ago today. Let’s take a moment to honour one of the most legendary WRC drivers. 

Who Is Colin McRae?

Colin McRae may not be the most famous for championship or rally wins, and that’s not how he won the hearts of fans. McRae was known for his press on regardless attitude to rally. It didn’t matter how many times he rolled or crashed his car, if it still ran he still drove it as fast as possible. McRae was born on August 5th, 1968 in the UK. McRae would pass away in a helicopter accident just after his 39th birthday, on September 15th, 2007. Let’s take a journey and remember the flying Scotsman. 

When In Doubt Go Flat Out

Colin McRae is probably best known for his motto, when in doubt go flat out. It’s still used by some to this day, even if they don’t follow rally or know who McRae is. McRae used this motto and subsequent driving style to win over the hearts of fans. With McRae first taking the hearts of rally fans everywhere at the 1992 running of Rally Finland. McRae would roll his car numerous times, by the end of the event the car looked like a stomped-on tin can. That didn’t stop McRae from finishing 8th at the event. From this point forward McRae was known and loved by many for his driving style. 

An Iconic Pairing

In 1991 Colin McRae was given the keys to a Subaru Legacy RS for his home event in the UK. McRae went on to retire from the event but had earned more drives with Subaru in 1992. McRae took home his first of many WRC podiums at Rally Sweden in 1992. The 1992 season also saw McRae race more than one WRC event for the first time in his career. Racing 6 out of the calendar’s 14 events to finish 8th in the championship. The 1993 once again saw McRae expand his calendar to include more WRC events. This time racing in 8 of the 13 rounds in the championship. Taking home 2 podiums and his first WRC win at Rally New Zealand of that year, finishing the season 5th in the championship.

The 1994 season saw McRae attend the same number of events, however, there were only 8 rounds on the calendar. McRae podiumed twice in 1994, once again winning Rally New Zealand and taking his first win at his home event in Great Britain. McRae ended the 1994 season 4th in the championship. The 1995 season saw McRae compete in all 8 WRC events on the calendar. Taking home 4 podiums, a 3rd in Sweden, and wins in Greece, Italy and Spain. McRae did all of this on the way to winning his first and only WRC championship. After 1995 McRae finished 2nd in the championship in both 1996 and 1997, 3rd in 1998 before leaving Subaru at the end of the 1998 season to join Ford. 

The Rest Of McRae’s Career

In 1999 McRae joined Ford and also had probably his worst WRC season ever. As McRae retired or was disqualified from 11 of the 14 events on the calendar. Somehow managing to finish 6th in the championship however. The 2000 season went slightly better for McRae, as he only retired from 7 of the 14 events. McRae did take home podiums on every event he didn’t retire from besides one. All on the way to McRae finishing 4th in the championship. The 2001 season saw McRae back in the championship top three, finishing second. The 2002 season was McRae’s final season with Ford. McRae finished fourth in the championship, and took home his final WRC win at Safari Rally Kenya that year. The years following McRae’s departure from M-Sport he swapped between Citroen and Sköda. Finishing 7th in 2003 with Citroen, 22nd in 2005 with Sköda. 

Inspiring Others 

Colin McRae’s legacy lives on not only through memories but other drivers who he has inspired. With names such as Travis Pastrana and the late Ken Block, both of which honoured McRae at the Colin McRae tribute stages after his passing. Colin’s dedication and approach to rally and motorsports, in general, has inspired and led to the inspiration of many before and after his passing. The name Colin McRae will likely be one that is never forgotten, or at least forgotten anytime soon. 

The 2023 WRC calendar only has 3 events remaining, and the WRC2 championship is still up for grabs, but who could win it?

When Could The Championship Be Won?

Let’s get this out of the way at the beginning, the WRC2 championship likely won’t be won until Rally Japan, the final event of the season. Why is this? Just 53 points separate 1st and 9th in the championship currently. Out of those 9 drivers, only 5 are candidates to win the championship. Furthermore just 28 points separate 1st and 3rd. Now you may be saying to yourself that the championship can be won at the Central European Rally. It’s possible but extremely unlikely. As current WRC2 leader Andreas Mikkelsen will not be competing in Chile later this month. Meaning he will likely lose the championship lead unless Rossel and Greensmith crash out or have a poor showing at the event. For the championship to be won at the end of the Central European Rally, the driver in first place in the championship would have to be 31 points above 2nd place. Now that the math stuff is out of the way, let’s move on to the 5 drivers who could win the championship.

How WRC2 Points Work

WRC2 drivers are allowed to select what events they choose to score points in. For most, this is every round they compete in. For others namely Oliver Solberg there’s a bit more of a thought process behind it. Nevertheless, the amount of rounds drivers are allowed to score points in remains the same. The number of rounds drivers are allowed to score points in is 5 European events and 1 round outside of Europe. This is something most drivers wanting to win the championship takes advantage of. As missing out on a potential 30 points is massive. Anyway, this means out of the 7 rounds drivers nominate to score points, only 6 will count. Unless they don’t like traveling out of Europe then they can only nominate points in 6 rounds and only 5 are counted. 

Andreas Mikkelsen 

Mikkelsen looks destined to win the WRC2 championship. As Mikkelsen sits 16 points ahead of Yohan Rossel after EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. However as previously mentioned Mikkelsen will not be in Chile later this month. Meaning the gap between him and Rossel will likely close or turn in the opposite direction. Mikkelsen does have an upper hand, however. As after Chile, Mikkelsen will still have a single round to score championship points. Whilst Rossel will only have a single round to score points. Meaning Mikkelsen can afford to miss Chile and potentially lose the championship lead. Mikkelsen will likely compete at both the Central European Rally and Rally Japan to end his 2023 season. Rossel will have to choose one of those events to score points at. 

Yohan Rossel

Rossel led the WRC2 championship heading into Finland. He would quickly lose the championship lead however as he wasn’t scoring points in Finland. Rossel had a rather poor showing in Greece. That being said he did manage to finish third, that’s not how he had a poor showing, however. The poor showing part comes when you look at the times. Rossel finished over a minute behind Mikkelsen at the event. Rossel also hasn’t done great on gravel this season either. Finishing fourth in both Italy and Portugal. However the issue for Rossel on gravel isn’t necessarily his driving style, but more to do with his car. As the Citroen C3 Rossel drives isn’t the greatest car on gravel in the first place. Which raises the question of why is he scoring points in Chile when there are 2 tarmac events afterwards. 

Gus Greensmith

Greensmith had an incredible showing in Greece. Although he finished second, he was fighting a mechanical issue throughout the event. Greensmith currently sits third just 12 points behind Rossel. Much like Rossel, Greensmith has a single-point scoring round left and will be scoring points in Chile. Meaning Greensmith will have a chance at passing Andreas Mikkelsen in the championship standings. As just 28 points separate the two drivers. Greensmith who was pushed into WRC2 after a lacklustre 2022 season in the Rally1 class. Has shown why he is a strong driver who just needed more time and luck in the Rally1 class. 

Kajetan Kajetanowicz 

Kajetanowicz may have the best chance of winning the championship outside of the drivers in the top three in the championship. As he has only competed at 4 of his 6 points scoring events. Meaning he can score points in all the remaining rounds of the championship. Kajetanowicz may sit 45 points behind Mikkelsen currently, and sit 7th in the championship. That all doesn’t matter when Kajetanowicz can score 60 points to hit 123. In fact, Kajetanowicz is the only reason outside of Mikkelsen not competing in Chile why the championship can’t be won until Rally Japan. 

Nikolay Gryazin

Gryazin may sit 9th in the WRC2 championship currently, but he still has probably the third-best odds of winning the championship, but how? Nikolay Gryazin, much like Kajetanowicz, still has 2 points scoring rounds to compete in. Meaning Gryazin has the potential to score 60 points throughout the remainder of the season. He currently sits with 55 points, 53 behind Mikkelsen. However, Gryazin can score 115 points maximum, whilst Mikkelsen can score 138 maximum. Gryazin will have a battle ahead of him, however. As drivers usually don’t score as many points as possible. If it wasn’t for a penalty at Rallye Monte-Carlo, Gryazin would have a slightly easier time to take home the championship. 

Who Can’t Win?

Sami Pajari

Pajari is probably one of the WRC’s best up-and-coming drivers. Taking home his first WRC2 class win in Finland earlier this year. Unfortunately, Pajari’s championship hopes are over. As he currently sits 37 points behind Andreas Mikkelsen. With Pajari only having one point scoring round remaining it’s impossible for him to win the championship. 

Adrien Fourmaux 

Fourmaux was pushed down to the WRC2 class at the end of last season. Fourmaux has shown he can compete this season. With the Frenchman being rumoured to compete in the WRC1 class next season again. Unfortunately, Fourmaux can’t take home the WRC2 championship this season. As much like Pajari, Fourmaux only has a single round that he can score points at, and he sits more than 30 points behind Mikkelsen. 

Oliver Solberg 

From an early favourite to not being able to win the championship. Oliver Solberg hasn’t had the greatest time in WRC2 this season. Although he has been arguably the fastest driver in the class throughout the season. However, it seems like the only events Solberg can finish without issue are those he isn’t scoring points in. As Solberg won the RC2 class in Finland, although he wasn’t scoring points. In fact, Solberg hasn’t scored at points at any of his point-scoring nominated rounds since Rally Portugal, where he finished 10th at. Solberg may have 2 rounds left to score points, but only one will count towards his championship points. As only the best 6 out of 7 point scoring nominated rounds are counted towards the championship. 

Emil Lindholm

Lindholm is another driver in the same spot as Solberg. Having 2 point scoring rounds available, but only one will count. Lindholm is the reigning WRC2 champion, making this a bit more disappointing. Lindholm moved teams mid-season, moving from Toksport to Hyundai. Emil Lindholm has had impressive results so far in the Hyundai, finishing 3rd in Estonia and what would’ve been a top 5 finish in Finland if it wasn’t for his suspension breaking. Lindholm will likely be back in the WRC2 class next season, looking to take home another championship. Although the Fin has been rumoured as a potential candidate to fill a seat at Hyundai next season. 

Kalle Rovanperä increased his WRC Drivers’ Championship lead this past weekend in Greece. How could Rovanperä win the championship in Chile? Find out below. 

How Rovanperä Can Win It In Chile

Kalle Rovanperä will have the opportunity to win his second WRC Championship at the end of the month, but how? The only way for Rovanperä to win the championship at Rally Chile Bio Bio is for Rovanperä to take home 28 more points than Elfyn Evans at the event. Incase you’re wondering about the math behind this all, it’s actually quite simple. With 3 events remaining on the calendar there are maximum of 90 points remaining. All Rovanperä needs to win the championship is 61 more than Evans by the end of Chile. As after Chile only 2 events will remain, with a maximum of 60 points. What are the possible ways this can happen?

-Rovanperä wins the event and wins the powerstage, whilst Evans finishes 9th or lower. 

-Evans finishes 10th and Rovanperä wins and finishes 2nd or higher on the Powerstage. 

-Evans finished below 10th and Rovanperä wins and finishes 3rd or higher on the Powerstage. 

This means Rovanperä has three possible ways of winning the championship in Chile. However, they all rely on Evans having a poor showing at the event. Which is unlikely, but not impossible. Evans finished fourth at the event back in 2019. Whilst Rovanperä won the event in the WRC2 class. Seeing as the event hasn’t been run since 2019, it’s a fresh slate for both drivers. As neither has experience at the event in a Rally1 car, nor does any other driver competing at the event. Meaning everyone has a high chance of making a mistake. Further increasing Rovanperä’s odds of winning the championship in Chile as a result. 

One Year Later

If Rovanperä were to win the championship in Chile at the end of the month. It would be 364 days since he won the championships in 2022. In which Rovanperä became the youngest World Rally Champion ever. Beating Colin McRae by 5 years and 88 days, as Rovanperä was 22 years and 1 day old when one the championship. 

A Great Birthday Present 

Kalle Rovanperä’s birthday is October 1st. Rally Chile Bio Bio ends on October 1st. This means there is a chance Rovanperä can win his second World Rally Championship on his birthday. Now wouldn’t that be an incredible birthday present? 

EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen took home a dominant win at the event. Find out more below.

Day One

Andreas Mikkelsen opened the weekend taking the lead after the first day. Winning the SuperSpecial stage to take a 0.4-second lead over Nikolay Gryazin. Marco Bulicia sat in third after the day, 0.3 seconds behind Gryazin. 

Day Two

The second day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece was all Nikolay Gryazin. Gryazin may have only won two stages on the day, but that didn’t stop him from taking a 29.6-second lead heading into day three. Gryazin had a relatively easy time to take the class lead as Mikkelsen had three punctures on the day. Dropping Mikkelsen to 13th in class, over 2 minutes behind Gryazin. Yohan Rossel sat second heading into day three, with Gus Greensmith sitting third, 6.8 seconds behind Rossel. 

Day Three

Day three went much better for Andreas Mikkelsen. So much better that he managed to win all 6 stages on the day and temporarily take the class lead. Mikkelsen was the class-leading heading into the third until Greensmith received time back as a result of a red-flagged stage. Handing Greensmith a 12-second lead to start the fourth and final day. Gryazin retired from the class lead on the third day due to a mechanical issue but would retire on day four. Yohan Rossel dropped to third overall, now sitting 52.8 seconds behind Mikkelsen. 

Day Four

Andreas Mikkelsen gained back the class lead on just the second stage of the day. Although there wasn’t much doubt he would do so, as Greensmith had been experiencing issues throughout the day and event. Nevertheless, Mikkelsen took back the lead and held on to take the event win. Although he only won a single stage. With Gryazin winning the other two stages. Yohan Rossel maintained third place to end the event. Although he was over a minute behind Gus Greensmith who finished second. 

Championship Rundown

Andreas Mikkelsen maintained the WRC2 championship lead in Greece. Mikkelsen now leads the championship by 16 points over Yohan Rossel. The championship is still anybody’s game, as just 53 points separate 1st and 9th in the championship. Mikkelsen will likely lose the championship lead in Chile. As the Norwegian will not be attending the event, but Yohan Rossel and others will be. Gus Greensmith moves into third in the championship after a strong showing in Greece. Greensmith moves past Sami Pajari, Oliver Solberg, Adrien Fourmaux and Kajetan Kajetanowicz, to now sit 12 points behind Rossel. Sami Pajari drops to fourth in the championship, now 9 points behind Greensmith. Adrien Fourmaux moves into fifth in the championship, now sitting just 4 points behind Pajari. Oliver Solberg drops to sixth, 3 points behind Fourmaux. 

Mikkelsen Shows Up

Andreas Mikkelsen pulled off a move reminiscent of reigning World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä in Greece. As Mikkelsen managed to gain back over two minutes to take an event lead. Along with winning all the stages on a day, something Rovanperä has made a habit of doing. Mikkelsen’s performance in Greece goes to show why no matter what you shouldn’t give up. If 3 punctures don’t stop Mikkelsen, I don’t know what will.

Unfortunate Ending 

Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg both had unfortunate endings to EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. With both drivers retiring due to mechanical issues. Solberg retired on SS5 due to a fuel injector issue. Whilst Pajari retired on SS12 due to a different mechanical issue. It’s an unfortunate end for both drivers, as they are in the middle of a heated championship battle where every point matters.