WRC Who Could Drive For Toyota In 2024

The 2023 WRC Season is halfway over. It may be time to start looking ahead to 2024 driver lineups. This article will look at who could drive for the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT next season.

Full-Time Drivers

Kalle Rovanperä

Kalle Rovanperä is pretty much a shoo-in to drive for Toyota next season. Yes, there have been rumours that Hyundai have talked with Rovanperä. But there’s about a 95% chance Rovanperä stays with Toyota. For one simple reason, Toyota’s car has proven it can win. Going to Hyundai means a lot of uncertainty. How will Neuville handle moving over from the number one driver spot to Rovanperä? How will Rovanperä do in a Hyundai? And finally, can the Hyundai compete with the Toyota’s consistently for Rovanperä to win the championship? All of which Rovanperä knows the answer to with Toyota, so why leave? He’d be in a perfect spot, he’d have a team willing to put all the cards on him, and a car that allows him to compete as a guarantee. 

Elfyn Evans

Much like Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans is pretty much a shoo-in for Toyota. He’s proven he can compete and win rallies. Which for a team that is looking to take home both the Drivers and Manufacturers championship each season is what they need. Somebody who can step up when Rovanperä makes a rare mistake like he did in Rally Finland. An Evans and Rovanperä pairing is what Toyota should continue with if both drivers want to stay. Which is what will likely happen. Evans will likely get offers from both Hyundai and M-Sport if he decides to move on from the Japanese manufacturer. 

Ott Tänak

A return to Toyota could be in the books for the 2019 champion. Tänak’s future with M-Sport is uncertain at this point. As he doesn’t have a contract for next season, and it sounds like he could move on from M-Sport again. Hyundai doesn’t seem like much of an option for Tänak, as he left the team last offseason due to issues. Toyota could give Tänak a chance at winning his second championship, although he would have to fight with Rovanperä for it in equal machinery. For Tänak to move back to Toyota he would need a spot freed up if he wants to go full-time again. Which is likely what he will want. The team ran three full-time cars this season, and have four cars. Could Toyota have four full-time cars or do they think Katsuta is ready for a larger role. The other way is if Evans or Rovanperä leave Toyota, which as previously stated is unlikely. 

Takamoto Katsuta

Takamoto Katsuta has driven the last two full WRC seasons. Albeit with very little presume for the most part. As he either hasn’t been scoring manufacturers’ points or hasn’t been in the position to. As the rounds he has been nominated to score manufacturers points on Evans or Rovanperä take care of those duties. Besides Secto Rally Finland were Rovanperä crashed out. Meaning Katsuta had to step up to the plate. That he did, finishing third after battling it out with Teemu Suninen during days three and four. 

Part-Time Drivers

Sebastien Ogier

Sebastien Ogier’s time in the WRC likely isn’t over. As the 8-time champion has proven he can still compete with the top guys in the WRC this season. Winning in Kenya, Mexico and Monte-Carlo and leading the championship for a period of time. He’s been the only driver to bring the fight to Rovanperä who has all but won the championship heading into Greece next weekend. Ogier has been linked to Hyundai however, but chances are Ogier remains with Toyota as he’s a great fit for the team. 

Oliver Solberg 

Solberg was moved down to the WRC2 class after he and Hyundai parted ways before Rally Japan last season. Solberg wasn’t able to secure a Rally1 drive this season but has proven to be a strong competitor in WRC2. Winning rallies in the double digits often, or retiring. Solberg has been head and shoulders above his WRC2 competition this season, and would likely lead the championship if he had a bit more luck and didn’t retire as much. Solberg is one of the brightest young stars the WRC has. This is something Toyota loves, they gave a young Kalle Rovanperä a chance and turned him into a star. They are doing the same with Takamoto Katsuta. Solberg could be a good candidate if Toyota wants to grow another young star into a potential champion. 

Gus Greensmith 

Much like Solberg, Greensmith was forced into a WRC2 car after he and M-Sport parted ways last off-season. Gus Greensmith didn’t have the greatest 2022 season, often crashing out or being below a top-five spot throughout the rally. Greensmith, like Solberg, has shown he can compete in the WRC2 class. Greensmith was a mainstay for M-Sport until last season. Toyota could give Greensmith a chance back at the top level in a good car. 

Sebastien Loeb

What do you do if one multi-time champion leaves your team? Replace him with another multi-time champion of course. Sebastien Loeb could prove a strong replacement if Sebastien Ogier leaves Toyota. Loeb has been absent from the WRC this season, competing in the WRX after he lost his spot at M-Sport due to a lack of funding on M-Sports part. Loeb has never driven in a Toyota during his illustrious career. Driving for Citroen, Hyundai and M-Sport. 

Andreas Mikkelsen

Mikkelsen was rumoured to be getting another chance at the sports top level. As he was rumoured to be the driver selected by Hyundai to take Craig Breen’s spot after Breen passed away. If Mikkelsen wants a WRC drive and Ogier leaves Toyota he could be a suitable replacement. Mikkelsen has proven he can compete, almost winning the WRC2 championship last season, and being a top runner during his days with Volkswagen. 

Sami Pajari

It’s not a secret that Toyota wants to add Sami Pajari to their driver roster. Toyota will likely put Pajari in their new WRC2 car next season. As they will need a top driver for that, and Pajari has proven he can compete in the WRC2 class given the right chance. With Pajari winning Secto Rally Finland and consistently improving as the season progresses. Pajari could be another Rovanperä or Katsuta for Toyota. Being on the younger end of the scale and bursting at the seams with potential. Pajari will likely get a load of offers from teams trying to swipe him up from Toyota. 

Who Could Drive For Hyundai In 2024

Brandon Semenuk is now a 2 time ARA champion. Winning the championship this past weekend at the Ojibwe Forests Rally. Should Semenuk consider competing in some WRC events?

The Facts

Brandon Semenuk is the newest multi-time American Rally Champion. Following in the footsteps of legends like Travis Pastrana and David Higgins. On the way to winning the 2023 Green APU American Rally Association Championship Semenuk won all but 9 stages so far this season. Only losing those stages to 2020 champion Barry McKenna at the Rally In The 100 Acre Wood. That was also the last time Semenuk had any real competition. As Semenuk has finished every rally at least 3 minutes ahead of his competition. Patrick Gruszka’s Hyundai i20 R5 or Tom Williams Ford Fiesta R5 aren’t on the same level as Semenuk’s Subaru WRX STI. 

An Ongoing Want From Fans

This conversation about seeing Semenuk compete in the WRC or ERC has been going on since last season. Last season Semenuk won his first championship. Beating the late Ken Block in the final round after Ken crashed and retired. Semenuk and Block went neck to neck all season long, Semenuk led most of the season but Block was hot on his tail. Semenuk stepped up for 2021 ARA Champion Travis Pastrana when Pastrana wasn’t on pace with Block. 

Why He Could Give It A Chance 

Semenuk is an extremely talented driver. When he competed in a Subaru Rally Team USA young driver event in 2018.  Semenuk was on the dot consistently and shocked the Subaru engineers and team at the event. Semenuk was no stranger to Rally at that point, however. With the Canadian competing in both the CRC in a Subaru Crosstrek and the ARA in a Ford Fiesta R5. Claiming multiple rally wins in the Canadian Championship. Semenuk could prove to be a strong competitor in the WRC2 championship. Although he has limited experience in the WRC2 cars, they would also be a step down from his Open Class Subaru he currently drives. It would be a bit of a learning curve for Semenuk that may or may not be worth it in the long run.

Why He May Not

The biggest reason why Semenuk may not compete in European rallies is due to his already packed schedule. Semenuk competes as both a Rally driver and a Mountain Biker. Something he already juggles in North America and is tight at times. Add in the extra time needed to compete in a WRC or ERC event and it would likely be difficult. Semenuk also isn’t a young guy. Being 32 years old and 33 in February he’s a bit of a disadvantage. Although it’s not unheard of for a driver to make thier debut after the age of 30. As Kajetan Kajetanowicz has done it before, and done well since then. There is a difference between Kajetanowicz and Semenuk however. Kajetanowicz was already competing in R5 cars and in Europe. Semenuk has spent limited time in a R5 car and hasn’t competed in Europe. 

Another Option

There isn’t a complete loss for those hoping to see Semenuk compete in the WRC2 class. As Semenuk could compete in the class when the championship comes to the Americas. This would be optimal for Semenuk as it’s closer to home and wouldn’t require long travel. Subaru Rally Team USA drivers are also no strangers to competing in the WRC when it comes to the Americas. With both Ken Block and Travis Pastrana competing in Mexico with the team. 

The Verdict

Brandon Semenuk will likely drive a handful of rallies in Europe at some point in his career. When that happens is the question that will have to wait to be answered. As timing is the biggest factor. Everything has to make sense for Semenuk to do it, especially for a round in Europe. 

An incident on May 2nd, 1986 would spell the end of the fan-favorite Group B era, find out more about this incident below.

The Build Up

The 1986 season started with Henri Toivonen winning Rallye Monte Carlo. Making the Lancia Delta S4 two for two-for-two since it debuted in the WRC at the RAC Rally in 1985. Toivonen was on pace to win Rally Sweden as well but an engine failure forced him out of the race. Allowing eventual 1986 champion Juha Kankkunen to win the event as a result. Rally Portugal was the first mass tragedy of 1986. When driver Joaquim Santos crashed into a group of spectators. The incident killed 3 spectators and injured over a dozen more. All works teams withdrew from the rally as a result and the Group B cars were brought under scrutiny. Safari Rally Kenya went off without a hitch with Björn Waldegård taking the win. The next round of the 1986 championship was the legendary Tour De Corse. Known for its long stages, large amounts of turns and extremely narrow roads. This event would also deliver the final blow to the Group B cars and the championship would lose a star in the making. 

The Tragedy 

The fifth round of the 1986 championship started like any other. Lancia driver Henri Toivonen was where he was expected to be, leading the pack. Toivonen won 11 stages throughout the first 17 stages. Giving himself an over 5-minute lead over Bruno Saby. Stage 18 started like any other, Toivonen was first on the road. The stage didn’t end like any other, however. As just a couple kilometres into the stage tragedy struck. Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto went off the road after a seemingly simple left-hander. The exposed gas tank was punctured by a tree, exploding into flames instantly. Setting the extremely flammable ablaze, allowing no escape for Toivonen or Cresto. The remaining stages of the day would be cancelled due to the incident. The FIA also announced the Group B era would be over after the 1986 season.

First On Scene

The eventual winner Bruno Saby was the first on the scene. However, it took a significant amount of time. As Saby didn’t notice anything wrong until after getting around the raven Toivonen crashed into. Turning around and going through the stage the opposite way to get back to Toivonen. Toivonen’s teammate Miki Biasion was the next driver to get to the crash site. Biasion’s co-driver Tiziano Siviero was the first to call the incident into race control. The stage was immediately halted and the drivers who were on the stage were stopped frantically before reaching the site. Lancia crew members and race control rushed to the scene alongside first responders. By the time they arrived on scene all they could do was put out the flames and tow the roll cage out. Toivonen was 29 years old and left behind a wife, kids and his brother Harri. Cresto was 30 years old. Both were and still are deeply missed by the rally community. 

What Caused The Incident?

The exact cause of the crash is unknown and will never be known. As there were no spectators in the area of the accident and the only known video of it was from the other side of the raven. People have speculated the cause of the crash, coming up with many different possible answers. Below will list some of the most plausible ones.

Stuck Throttle

The Lancia Delta S4 had a known issue with the throttle getting stuck. If this were to have happened Toivonen would have been unable to slow down enough to take the right left-hander. This is what Lancia reportedly believes happened. With a former team member reportedly telling Harri Toivonen this. If you look at the pictures from after the crash Toivonen did make the original corner and went off after the corner. 

Toivonen Had A Medical Incident 

It’s no secret Toivonen had the flu during the event. But that isn’t the issue believed to have affected Toivonen the most. As former driver Malcolm Wilson has said, Toivonen suffered from blackouts and seizures. He just didn’t inform Lancia so he didn’t lose his job. This explanation makes sense with all things considered and what Toivonen said in his last interview. As Toivonen would say “Today, we have driven more than the whole distance of the 1000 Lakes Rally (Finnish Rally). After 4 hours of driving- it’s hard to keep up with the speed. So, with a modern car like this, it’s just impossible to race here. It’s physically exhausting and the brains can’t keep up with it anymore.” Now this may sound unlikely to cause an accident on its own. If you factor in all the other issues Toivonen has, however, it becomes more plausible. Seeing as Toivonen was taking medication for his flu, which can make you drowsy, the Group B cars were a workout on their own to drive. Along with his reported blackouts, it was the perfect storm for something to happen. There are however reasons I believe this didn’t happen. With the biggest one being the Lancia Delta S4 Toivonen was driving did turn around the bend before he crashed. Meaning that either he didn’t have a medical emergency, the medical emergency took place right after the corner or co-driver Sergio Cresto somehow managed to get the car around the corner whilst Toivonen’s foot remained on the pedal. 

A Different Medical Emergency 

Toivonen and Cresto had reported heavy smells of gasoline in the car during the event. The issue was not fixed before SS18 however. Making it plausible for Toivonen to have had an issue caused by gasoline fumes. Much like the last sun-section I don’t remain convinced this is what happened either. As the last three points are still questioned. The chances of Cresto being able to turn the car around a corner as much as the car did is unlikely. Given if Toivonen was passed out his foot would’ve most likely been all the way down on the accelerator. The perfect timing also doesn’t make a whole lot of sense either. Yes, blackouts and such can happen randomly.

Tunnel Vision 

Multiple Group B drivers have reported that driving Group B cars would give a kind of tunnel vision effect. Which would zone drivers out completely at times. This happened to Toivonen before at the 1985 Rally Costa Smeralda. When Toivonen reportedly had this tunnel vision effect and misheard a pace note causing him to ram into a brick wall at nearly full speed. Almost paralyzing him and ending his career. Is it possible Toivonen had this effect on that fateful day in France? Yes absolutely, or even something as simple as Toivonen mishearing the pace note. The corner where Toivonen crashed looks to be about a left 3 tightens into left 2. Toivonen could’ve missed the tightens part or the section half of the note entirely. It’s also plausible Toivonen thought it tightened later and didn’t see the road turn until it was too late. 

We Will Never Know

The answer to what caused Toivonen’s crash will forever be unknown. No matter how many plausible theories come out about the matter nobody will ever truly know. The only two people who probably knew what happened were Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto. The corner will forever be a mystery to those who are interested. It will also be forever known as the corner that ended the high-risk Group B era. 

Photos Courtesy of Motorsport Images

August 25th, 2023 marks what would’ve been the 67th birthday of WRC Legend Henri Toivonen. 

If You Haven’t Heard Of Henri Toivonen

Henri Toivonen may not be a name that sticks out on paper to you instantly. But if you’ve followed Rally for any length of time you’ve probably heard about the Group B era. Toivonen was a driver for Lancia during that era. Toivonen was an extremely talented driver. He was also one of the only drivers able to control the Lancia Delta S4 reasonably well. Which was no small feat as well the thing had a mind of its own. It in some ways was like Ken Block’s Hoonicorn, only with no safety features and weighed about the same amount as if a large tin can had an engine and wheels. Anyway, I’m getting a bit off-topic. If you don’t recognize Toivonen’s name as a driver, you’ve probably heard of him for another reason. As Henri Toivonen is often the driver considered to have ended the Group B era completely. This came after Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto tragically passed away in an accident at the 1986 Tour De Corse. Toivonen was just 29 years old.

Who Was Henri Toivonen?

Henri Toivonen was the son of 1968 ERC Champion Pauli Toivonen. Toivonen was born on August 25th 1956 in Jyväskylä Finland. Toivonen competed in both Rally and Circuit racing. His brother Harri became a professional Circuit Racer who also did rally. Harri retired from circuit racing in 2002. Ending the 40 years of a Toivonen racing.

Toivonen’s Legacy

Henri Toivonen was ahead of his time. Being a younger driver who was able to compete with the likes of Stig Blomqvist and Walter Röhrl among others. Legendary WRC reporter Martin Holmes called Toivonen a “rebel driver” in his piece about Toivonen on Motor just days after the Tour De Corse accident. Toivonen was known for his ability to push the car and gain back large amounts of time in just a single stage. This also led to him losing a large amount of time in single stages and multiple accidents. One of those accidents came at the Rally Costa Smeralda in 1985. An accident that almost saw Toivonen’s career end. As Toivonen crashed into a brick wall at a decent amount of speed. This almost paralyzed Toivonen. It also forced him to miss significant time in the 1985 WRC season. Toivonen returned at the RAC Rally. Toivonen never competed in a rally outside of Europe, nor was he ever entered to compete in one. In 1988 fellow WRC legend Michelle Mouton created the Race Of Champions in Toivonen’s honor. The event was originally restricted to only Rally drivers. 

Toivonen’s WRC Career

Henri Toivonen competed in 40 WRC rallies, winning three events, nine podiums, 185 stage wins and 22 retirements. Toivonen drove with the Talbot, Opel and Lancia works teams throughout his career. 

Pre-Group B

Toivonen started his career in 1975 at Rally Finland as a privateer. Toivonen competed as a privateer until the 1979 running of Rally RAC when he joined the Toyota Oil team for the lone event. In 1980 Toivonen joined the Talbot works team. Taking his first rally win and podium at the 1980 running of Rally Wales GB, in a Talbot Sunbeam. Toivonen took home two podiums in 1981 and 1982. He failed to reach the podium in 1983, although only competed in 5 rallies. 

Group B Era

1984 saw Toivonen make his Group B debut and sign with a major rally team. That team being Lancia Martini. Toivonen competed in just 3 events that season, retiring from both Portugal and Greece. However, at his home event in Finland Toivonen finished third. In 1985 Toivenen competed in 4 events. Finishing them all and taking home 2 podiums, with a 3rd place at Rally Italy and 1st at Rally Wales GB. Rally Wales also saw Lancia debut the new Delta S4. A turbo and supercharged beast that could reportedly accelerate faster than a F1 car at the time. In 1986 Toivonen made the Delta S4 two for two in rallies. Winning the opening round in Monte Carlo. He was on pace to win Rally Sweden as well before an engine failure forced him out of the event. Lancia withdrew for Portugal after a crash which resulted in spectators being severely injured or killed. The team skipped Safari Rally Kenya due to not having parts. The team did compete at the Tour De Corse however. 

Toivonen’s Final Event

The 1986 running of Tour De Corse was Toivonen’s final event. Not getting into too much detail as there will be an article digging deeper into Toivonen’s crash at the event in the next couple days. Here’s the short version. On the 18th stage of the Tour De Course, rally leader Henri Toivonen started the 18th stage. Just a couple kilometres into the stage Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto went off the road. The gas tank which was completely exposed due to the cars not running skid plates at the event exploded after being punctured by a tree. The car was set ablaze and Toivonen and Cresto were killed instantly. Toivonen was on pace to win the event. Leading the rally by some 5 or so minutes heading into the 18th stage. 

All Images from Motorsport Images

The 2023 WRC Season is halfway over. It may be time to start looking ahead to 2024 driver lineups. This article will look at who could drive for the Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT next season.

Full-Time Drivers

Thierry Neuville

Neuville has been a mainstay for Hyundai since it rejoined the WRC in 2014. Neuville is also the only driver with a contract for the 2024 WRC season at this point in time. Meaning there’s about a 99% chance the Belgian will remain with Hyundai next season. Of course, anything can happen between now and the start of silly season, but chances are slim. Neuville has finished second in the championship 4 times in his career so far. Neuville just has been able to top the championship yet. Mind you for most of his career he was battling the likes of Sebastien Ogier for the championship lead, which is no easy feat. Nevertheless, Neuville has proven himself as a worthy number-one driver and a top driver in the championship. 

Esapekka Lappi

Lappi has driven for every manufacturer who has competed in the WRC from 2018 onward. Lappi just hasn’t seemed to find the right fit so far in his WRC career. Although the 32-year-old Fin is talented and can compete with the big boys. Nevertheless, things just haven’t worked out much for Lappi. That is until this season when he joined Hyundai. Lappi has looked like a force to be reckoned with, leading Rally Mexico and challenging for a podium spot at every event since. He hasn’t been able to take a win, however, but that hasn’t slowed him down. Lappi gives Hyundai a consistent driver who can help Neuville push for the championship. While also being able to hold his own when Neuville is out of the race. Although Lappi doesn’t have a contract with Hyundai for next season chances are he remains with the Korean manufacturer. 

Pierre-Louis Loubet

Pierre-Louis Loubet hasn’t had the best 2023 season up to this point. Although the next event EKO Acropolis Rally Greece is one he’s done good at in the past. Loubet has the skill, he just hasn’t had the luck so far in his WRC career. Chances are Loubet remains with M-Sport for the 2024 season. However, Loubet may look to have a fresh start elsewhere. If Loubet is looking for a fresh start Hyundai may be the team to do that with. Loubet has previously driven Hyundai WRC, driving under the 2C Competition banner in 2020 and 2021 before moving to M-Sport in 2022. Hyundai would give Loubet a chance to work with some more experienced drivers. 

Part-Time Drivers

Dani Sordo

Sordo has been another mainstay as a driver for Hyundai since the 2014 season. Sordo switched into a part-time role at the start of the 2018 season but has been somebody Hyundai can rely upon for top-five results since then. Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul has confirmed Sordo will be back with the team in some capacity next season. Whether or not that’s driving has yet to be determined. One things for sure, however, Sordo’s driving will be missed by the team.
Rumours were circulating before Rally Catalunya last season that Sordo would retire at the end of the season. That obviously didn’t happen, but it still raises the question, does the 40-year-old hang up the boots at the end of this season? That’s something we will get the answer to soon. Some think he will, some think he won’t. Nevertheless, if Sordo wants a part-time seat next season he will get said seat.

Teemu Suninen 

Suninen made his Rally1 debut in Estonia this season. Since then he has finished top five at both Rally Estonia and Secto Rally Finland. Suninen has to be one of the favourites to get a part-time seat next season with Hyundai. The 29-year-old Fin was selected to replace Craig Breen after Breen passed away earlier in the season. Suninen would give Hyundai a slightly younger driver that Neuville and others can mentor throughout the season. 

Hayden Paddon

Fresh off his 2023 ERC Championship win Hayden Paddon may look to return to the WRC. Paddon has driven Hyundai rally cars for pretty much his entire career. Only driving M-Sport vehicles for a single event in 2019 and 2013. Paddon would have a bit to prove to Hyundai, but would surely give the team yet another good driver. As Paddon would come in with quite a bit of experience. Paddon is one of the more unlikely candidates for Hyundai however, but the door likely isn’t shut.

Has Hayden Paddon Earned Another Chance In The WRC?

Andreas Mikkelsen 

Mikkelsen was supposed to replace Craig Breen after Breen passed away earlier in the season. This would’ve given Mikkelsen the return to the sports top level he had been longing for. Unfortunately for him, that position fell through and ultimately went to Teemu Suninen. Nevertheless, the door isn’t completely shut for Mikkelsen to return to the sports top level in a Hyundai. As if the rumours of Hyundai adding a fourth car are true Mikkelsen could make sense to fill one of those seats.
The 34-year-old Norwegian currently sits at the top of the WRC2 standings for this season and was on pace to win the championship last season. Mikkelsen would give Hyundai another experienced driver who can help mentor a younger driver on the team. He could also play a role like Dani Sordo in being somebody the team uses when they need Manufacturer points or somebody to put a buffer between Neuville and the other championship contenders. 

Sebastien Ogier 

You probably didn’t expect to see this name on this list. Well if I’m being honest I didn’t expect to put Ogier on this list until a rumour tying Hyundai and Ogier started. The 8-time WRC Champion is without a contract for the 2024 season and could move from Toyota if the right opportunity presents itself. Obviously, there’s really only one other option for Ogier if he does want to leave Toyota. That option being Hyundai, as well chances are M-Sport won’t be able to pay the small fortune it would take to sign Ogier. The 39-year-old Frenchman has proven he can still compete with the likes of Kalle Rovanperä. Hyundai could use Ogier as somebody to help them secure manufacturer points and a few more event wins throughout the season. Chances are however Ogier will remain with Toyota if he drives next season.

Sebastien Loeb

Sebastien Loeb has been missing in action for the 2023 WRC season. With the 9 time champion unable to secure a seat for the season. As M-Sport couldn’t afford him after paying a small fortune for Ott Tänak’s services. Loeb and Hyundai have worked together in the past. With the 49-year-old Frenchman suiting up for the team in 2019 and 2020. Much like Ogier, Loeb would cost a small fortune to sign as a driver but could be worth it in the end. Where Loeb currently sits against the likes of Kalle Rovanperä is unknown as well, they haven’t competed since last season and Rovanperä has gotten better since last season. Nevertheless, Loeb would be welcomed back into the paddocks with open arms. 

Hayden Paddon won the 2023 European Rally Championship this past weekend. Has the 36-year-old earned another chance in the WRC?

The Facts

This past weekend Hayden Paddon became the first non-European ERC champion. Paddon hasn’t competed in the WRC since last season at Repco Rally New Zealand. In which he won the WRC2 class at the event. Before that Paddon was a mainstay for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team. Driving with them from 2014 to 2018. Paddon has only won a single WRC event at the top level in his career. That sole win came at Rally Argentina in 2016. Parddon’s championship finishes aren’t anything to marvel at. With the 36-year-old’s highest finish being 4th in 2016. Every other season he has placed below 7th in the championship. Paddon has competed in 82 rallies throughout his career, finishing on the podium 8 times and winning 38 special stages. 

Why He Could Get Another Chance

Hayden Paddon may get another chance in the WRC due to his past experience. Drivers with experience in the WRC are hard to come by. Paddon could give a team like Hyundai or M-Sport an experienced driver who may be able to score decent manufacturer points for them. Paddon may also do well in a mentor role for a driver like Pierre-Louis Loubet or Emil Lindholm. 

Why Paddon Likely Won’t Get Another Chance 

There’s about an 80% chance Hayden Paddon doesn’t return to the WRC in a Rally1 car next season. Why will he likely not return? Paddon has proven he is a talented driver and can compete for a championship. The issue with this is he’s done that in a R5 car. There is a huge gap between how the WRC2/R5 cars driver Rally1 cars drive. There’s no guarantee Paddon would be able to compete in a Rally1 car. Mind you that’s the same with any new driver for the class. The one difference between a new driver and Paddon is age. Paddon is 36 years old, which isn’t young in the rally world. Chances are if teams were to bring in a new driver to the top level it would be somebody like Oliver Solberg or Emil Lindholm. Somebody who is a bit younger and can spend more time learning and getting used to the car. Pardon’s experience at WRC events may be the only benefit in selecting him over Solberg or another young driver. 

What About WRC2?

As previously mentioned Paddon has shown he can compete in WRC2 cars. He could be beneficial for a manufacturer team to add to their WRC roster to help mentor younger drivers. Paddon has experienced quite a bit in his Rally career. Meaning he is extremely knowledgeable. He could pass some of that knowledge along to the likes of Emil Lindholm or Adrien Fourmaux. There’s a higher chance of Paddon getting a WRC2 drive if he wants it as opposed to a Rally1 drive. 

Teemu Suninen has raced two events in WRC1 so far. Has he proven himself at those two events or is there still more to see?

Rally Estonia

Teemu Suninen made his Rally1 debut at Rally Estonia, one of the fastest events on the calendar. Suninen placed 5th at the event, 1 minute and 14.3 seconds behind Elfyn Evans. 5th overall isn’t something to marvel about regularly. Especially with only 8 drivers competing and one of those drivers was out from the start. It’s a pretty impressive feat for driving the car competitively for the first time. 

Secto Rally Finland

Suninen went into Secto Rally Finland looking to improve upon his result at Rally Estonia. He would manage to do that, finishing fourth, 4.3 seconds slower than Takamoto Katstua at the event. It was a bit of an easier time for Suninen however. As Ott Tänak, Esapekka Lappi and Kalle Rovanperä all crashed out on the second day of the event. Nevertheless, Suninen did battle with Takamoto Katstua for third on the third and fourth days. With Suninen even sitting in third for a couple of stages before Katsuta regained the position. Even with the retirements of three of the top runners Suninen had his work cut out for him and he didn’t just take the spot and give up trying. 

A Bit Of Pressure

Suninen also had a bigger role at the event as well. As with Lappi out it meant he was the only other manufacturer point scorer for Hyundai. With Secto Rally Finland already being his home event the pressure was on from the beginning. But with the added pressure of being the only other driver to score manufacturer points for a Hyundai team that is desperate for them right now. As well as Suninen being the only Finnish driver to finish the event he had a bit of pressure on him come events end. 

The Verdict

Suninen has kind of proven himself in a WRC1 car. Two events isn’t much to base anything off of. Add that to the fact one or more of the drivers destined for a top-five stop ended up out of the running via retirement or penalties. Rally Estonia and Secto Rally Finland aren’t really the best rallies to determine if he’s proven himself or not. Suninen has proven that he can compete with other drivers, however. I wouldn’t be surprised if Suninen finished in the top five one or two more times this season. When he’s not in the top five he will likely compete for the 6th overall spot. 

Recent rumors have suggested the 2024 WRC calendar could be released early next month or sometime this month, but what could it look like? 

Confirmed Events 

11 of the 13 events from the 2023 WRC Calendar are expected to return next season. Those events being the following:

• Rallye Monte-Carlo
• Rally Sweden
• Croatia Rally
• Rally De Portugal
• Rally Italia Sardegna 
• Safari Rally Kenya
• Secto Rally Finland
• EKO Acropolis Rally Greece
• Central European Rally
• Rally Chile Bio Bio
• Forum8 Rally Japan
• Rally Latvia 

Latvia was confirmed to be a part of the 2024 schedule earlier in the season. With the event replacing the fan favorite Rally Estonia. 

What Other Events Could Be Added?

Rally Poland

Rally Poland has been the event largely rumored to be returning to the World Rally Championship next season. With it last being featured on the WRC calendar in 2017 when Thierry Neuville won. Rally Poland was first featured on a WRC calendar during the 1973 season. Achim Warmbold took home the win at the event that year. The event was absent for 36 years, reappearing in 2009. The event was once again absent from the calendar for the 2010 through 2013 runnings. Reappearing in 2014 and staying on the calendar until 2017. The event has since been a mainstay on the European Championship calendar. Latvian driver Martins Sesks won the 2023 running of the event back in May. 

Rally Argentina 

Rally Argentina may be one of the favorites amongst the fans to return to the calendar. It’s unlikely the event will return for the 2024 season, however. Although it would be nice to see the event that was previously a mainstay on the WRC calendar return. Especially with Rally Mexico likely not being on the calendar. Having two events in the Americas seemed like the plan for the WRC this season onward. It looks like that has changed, however. From a championship standpoint, it makes sense especially if you can’t get Rally Chile and whatever other Rally in the Americas one after the other. As a result of it not being cheap for the teams to transport the cars across the ocean four times in a season. Nevertheless, if the WRC found a way to make the event work drivers and fans would likely love to see the event back. 

What Schedule Changes Could Be Made?

Safari Rally Kenya

It has also been rumored that Safari Rally Kenya will return to a date around Easter. Much like the event ran until 1998 when the event was moved to February. Later moving to July for the 2001 season. If this were to happen the event would take Rally Mexico’s spot from the season and be the third event on the calendar as a result. One of the two previously mentioned events will likely take its date in June. 

Rally Latvia 

With Rally Latvia coming in as an unofficial Rally Estonia’s replacement it’s likely the event will take place in July. If the previously mentioned move for Safari Rally Kenya does indeed happen the event could take place in June with a different event taking place in July. 

Where’s Rally USA?

A WRC return to the United States had been rumored for the 2024 season. With a test event taking place in March and a volunteer training in September. It looks like Rally fans in the USA will have to wait another year for the WRC to return for the first time since 1988. A return to the USA has been long awaited for many die-hard fans of the sport. Unfortunately setting up an event to the scale of what’s needed for the WRC isn’t an easy task. 

The Expected 2024 WRC Calendar 

• Rallye Monte Carlo (January)
• Rally Sweden (February) 
• Safari Rally Kenya (March) 
• Croatia Rally (April) 
• Vodafone Rally De Portugal (May) 
• Rally Italia Sardegna (June) 
• Unknown Rally (June)
• Rally Latvia (July) 
• Secto Rally Finland (August)
• EKO Acropolis Rally Greece (September)
• Rally Chile Bio Bio (September)
• Central European Rally (October)
• Forum8 Rally Japan (November) 

Secto Rally Finland has come to an end. Elfyn Evans held on to take a dominant win at the event.

Championship Standings

Reigning Champion Kalle Rovanperä did not take home any points at Secto Rally Finland due to him crashing out. Meaning Elfyn Evans was able to close the gap between him and Rovanperä to 25 points from 55. Evans subsequently expanded the gap between him and Thierry Neuville to 11 points from 3. Ott Tänak remains fourth, now 30 points behind Neuville. Sebastien Ogier who hasn’t driven since Kenya remains fifth. The championship at this point is a three-horse race, as it realistically can be won by Neuville, Evans or Rovanperä. Mathematically every WRC1 driver and Oliver Solberg (WRC2) can still win the championship. 

Day One

The first day of Secto Rally Finland saw drivers race a single 3.48km stage. 2022 winner Ott Tänak won the stage. Taking a 0.6-second lead over Thierry Neuville into the second day.

Day Two

The second day of the event and the first full day of competition saw drivers compete 104.76km across 9 stages. Elfyn Evans came out on top after the day. Leading Thierry Neuville by 6.9 seconds. Kalle Rovanperä led the event for part of the day, until rolling on SS8 and retiring. Ott Tänak and Pierrr-Louis Loubet retired on SS3. Tänak retired due to his engine being destroyed. While Loubet crashed out and would return on day three. 2017 winner Esapekka Lappi also crashed out and retired from the event. 

Day Three

The third day saw drivers compete 160.68km across 8 stages. Elfyn Evans took all but one stage win on the day. Expanding his lead over Neuville to 32.1 seconds. Day three saw no major action in WRC1. Which was a bit of a surprise after the second day eliminated half the field. Teemu Suninen and Takamoto Katsuta battled for third. A battle that ended with Katsuta 6.4 seconds ahead of Suninen at the end of the day. 

Day Four

The fourth and final day of Secto Rally Finland saw drivers compete 51.64km across the final 4 stages. Elfyn Evans once again won all but one stage on the final day of the event. All on the way to winning the event with a 39.1-second lead over Neuville. Evans also took the Powerstage win to take home the maximum 30 points on his second event win of the season. 

Evans Dominates

Elfyn Evans won 10 of the 22 stages of Secto Rally Finland. A number that is double the amount Kalle Rovanperä won. Evans was only challenged by Thierry Neuville at the end of the second day. But from the third day on Evans was untouchable. Only being beaten on two stages by Takamoto Katsuta who had an incredible event. 

WRC Secto Rally Finland has come to a close. Elfyn Evans won the event but the true winners were the fans, but how?

Why Were Fans The True Winners?

Elfyn Evans was the driver winner for Secto Rally Finland, but the fans won in a different way. The big win for the fans is a now prolonged Driver’s’ Championship battle. As now just 25 points separate Elfyn Evans and reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä. If Rovanperä claimed the full 30 points in Finland like he was on pace too. We would’ve been spending the next month or so doing a whole lot of math to see how Rovanperä could clinch the championship at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. Now that math will have to wait for at least another round. Rovanperä will still likely win the championship. As he doesn’t make many mistakes like the one made this weekend. Nevertheless, the battle will be prolonged. Giving fans something to talk about for just that little bit longer.

Not Just A Two-Man Race

The battle for the championship isn’t a two-man race, however. As Thierry Neuville also has a decently good chance of winning his first championship. Although he will have to fight tooth and nail for it. With 36 points now separating him and Rovanperä and just 11 points between him and Evans. Neuville won EKO Acropolis Rally Greece last year. Amid a Hyundai podium sweep. Which saw Ott Tänak place second and Dani Sordo place third. 

When Could The Championship Be Won?

The earliest the championship could be won under a plethora of circumstances is Rally Chile Bio Bio at the end of next month. One of the less confusing circumstances for the championship to be handed out there would be for Evans to score 0 points in Greece. Well Rovanperä takes the maximum 30 points, and Neuville scores somewhere under a top-three finish. It gets much more confusing if all three finish the event on the podium. If that were to happen the earlier the championship would be won is the new Central European Rally in October. Which will likely be when the championship is handed out anyway. But like anything the WRC is extremely unpredictable.