2025 WRC News & Rumours

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo to return in (4th) Hyundai for Greece & Sardinia, quotes from Neuville ...

https://rallyjournal.com/a-big-revelation-from-thierry-neuville-about-his-teams-upcoming-tactics/


Also, the F1 star who tested a Rally1 Car is revealed... and it wasn't Bottas ! ;)

https://rallyjournal.com/name-of-f1-star-who-took-part-in-extremely-secret-rally-tests-leaked-to-the-public-he-was-incredibly-good/

[WRCStan]

Also, the F1 star who tested a Rally1 Car is revealed... and it wasn't Bottas ! ;)

https://rallyjournal.com/name-of-f1-star-who-took-part-in-extremely-secret-rally-tests-leaked-to-the-public-he-was-incredibly-good/

Props to the user here who reported it at the time.

[106 sport]

Interesting interview with the hero from Gran Canaria, Luís Monzón
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/luis-monzon-returns-to-wrc-at-rally-islas-canarias

[Managarium]

TOO MUCH WEAR?!
The WRC crews will have 8 more tires in Rally Portugal so the total available for each car goes from 28 to 36 (shakedown included).
This change was made official through the “Bulletin 1” of the event.
Considering that two more sets of tires are a lot and this change is important there must be an explanation that could be excessive tire wear.
We have already hypothesized in another post that the Hankook tires are too hard and that in Kenya there were 23 punctures attributable to this robustness but the African event had a soft surface that did not wear the tires excessively.
The triptych of gravel roads arriving Portugal-Sardinia-Greece instead has a lot of wear and higher temperatures that could lead to problems with the integrity of the tires.
In support of OUR hypothesis there would be the length of the special stages in Portugal:
24 special stages with maximum lengths of 15 km with the exception of the Amarante stage which will be 24.
However, the Amarante stage has always been 37 km and this shortening combined with the addition of tires make us think.

[WRCStan]

Apologies if this video was shared in another thread, and this is probably the wrong thread for the topic but it's related to a few pages ago where we were having a chat about what a car is and the identity of rally (sofas, buggies, crosskarts and side by sides etc..) Here's Rich Millener being recorded at about the same time on side-by-sides: 'I personally think a modified version of this could be the answer to the problems in rally of entry level vehicles'

https://youtu.be/1xsKjcptLjc?t=785

Strongly recommend to watch the whole video, Rich is quite open.

[saco0o]

Also, the F1 star who tested a Rally1 Car is revealed... and it wasn't Bottas ! ;)

https://rallyjournal.com/name-of-f1-star-who-took-part-in-extremely-secret-rally-tests-leaked-to-the-public-he-was-incredibly-good/

a few websites are covering this, Lando said it wasnt him.
https://racingnews365.com/norris-responds-to-rally-rumours-hopefully-that-will-become-a-headline

"I said a couple of years ago, I'm not allowed. Zak [Brown, McLaren CEO] doesn't let me drive rally cars, probably for a good reason, but I've said many times I would love to. It's so weird how people come up with such things in the media. That's how terrible it is sometimes, rather than just asking me before publishing things."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Surprise driver for top-tier Rally1 car in Portugal:

https://rallyjournal.com/source-surprise-driver-for-top-tier-rally1-car-and-a-hint-at-hyundais-plans/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ben Sulayem proposes Malcolm Wilson as Robert Reid's successor at FIA...

https://www.autosport.com/general/news/malcolm-wilson-nominated-as-new-fia-deputy-presidential-candidate/10716162/

[Sal yet again]

https://www.autosport.com/general/news/malcolm-wilson-nominated-as-new-fia-deputy-presidential-candidate/10716162/

Wonder whether having given Malcolm/M Sport so much trade over the years MBS will think him "loyal to the cause"

[Rallyper]

https://www.autosport.com/general/news/malcolm-wilson-nominated-as-new-fia-deputy-presidential-candidate/10716162/

Wonder whether having given Malcolm/M Sport so much trade over the years MBS will think him "loyal to the cause"

In the way he should. Loyal to the manufacturers best.

[saco0o]

and so far no one is on the run for fia's election this year against mbs
which is kinda weird because he is NOT doing a good job, everybody knows that... but apparently his money (intimidation???) can buy all the votes. idk, i dont like this guy. it sounds "islamophobic" but its not that. its just....it always something stupid.
like these new MEDALS they are going to give to WRC race winners. "ohh they are made of recycled metals"
ok... but if you DONT PRODUCE these pointless medal, you would release LESS Co2!! how about that? its even MORE GREEN than recycled metals!!! nope... medals for everyone! screw the emissions! haha its all a big dumb hypocrital PR machine.

[WRCStan]

https://www.autosport.com/general/news/malcolm-wilson-nominated-as-new-fia-deputy-presidential-candidate/10716162/

Wonder whether having given Malcolm/M Sport so much trade over the years MBS will think him "loyal to the cause"

That's one of the most beautifully worded posts I've read on this forum. Not saying I agree, but well done.

[Managarium]

AG Rally:

Total Energies has raised the price of fuel to €8.75 per litre excluding VAT, creating discontent in the circus since the previous price, of P1 Fuels, was €6.96 per litre.
The price increase was validated by the Rally of the Canary Islands, that is, since Total Energies took over from P1 Fuels as the sole supplier of fuel for the WRC.
The new price has been increased by 25% which has a significant economic impact:
•WRC teams purchase fuel in blocks of 50L. Now each block of 50L costs €437.50.
•Considering that on average an event consumes between 450 and 500L of fuel, each team spends approximately €4000 plus VAT for each car.
*Quantity of fuel and total price may vary from event to event.
TotalEnergies will supply fuel at these prices until the end of the season, meanwhile the FIA ​​is looking for a single fuel supplier for the three-year period 2026-2028 through a tender.

[tbazsi95]

Technical rules for the next WRC regulations cycle still aren't set in stone ��

But the FIA remains optimistic that the 2027 regulations are going to attract interest from new entrants ��

2628

[saco0o]

ouchhhhh i always forget how expensive motorsport is, jeeeez

[Eli]

Technical rules for the next WRC regulations cycle still aren't set in stone ��

But the FIA remains optimistic that the 2027 regulations are going to attract interest from new entrants ��

2628

So basically they remain confident that Hyundai are out for next year…do wonder who will take their place, doubt any of the VW Group bandwagon will comeback; Although could you believe it’s almost been 10 years(!] since dieselgate?

[denkimi]

AG Rally:

Total Energies has raised the price of fuel to €8.75 per litre excluding VAT, creating discontent in the circus since the previous price, of P1 Fuels, was €6.96 per litre.
The price increase was validated by the Rally of the Canary Islands, that is, since Total Energies took over from P1 Fuels as the sole supplier of fuel for the WRC.
The new price has been increased by 25% which has a significant economic impact:
•WRC teams purchase fuel in blocks of 50L. Now each block of 50L costs €437.50.
•Considering that on average an event consumes between 450 and 500L of fuel, each team spends approximately €4000 plus VAT for each car.
*Quantity of fuel and total price may vary from event to event.
TotalEnergies will supply fuel at these prices until the end of the season, meanwhile the FIA ​​is looking for a single fuel supplier for the three-year period 2026-2028 through a tender.
This seems like one of the things that could easily be changed to make things cheaper. Just make them use normal, commercial fuel. Nobody will notice the difference in performance, and they all save a lot of money.

[saco0o]

This seems like one of the things that could easily be changed to make things cheaper. Just make them use normal, commercial fuel. Nobody will notice the difference in performance, and they all save a lot of money.

i may be wrong but..... FIA needs to pretend the championship is GREEN and run on 'clean fuels'.
i doubt thats going to change. its easier to say 'race car polutes' instead of talking about how overseas rounds are the top emission's cause, how traveling around europe in huge trucks and vans polutes more than the actual races, how fan dslocation polutes etc.

[WRCStan]

i may be wrong but..... FIA needs to pretend the championship is GREEN and run on 'clean fuels'.

Correct. It can change but will need the competitors to stop entering like how the hybrid costs made them face reality. The fuel costs are a competitor cost which need to be passed on through diminished entry lists.

[Eli]

In unrelated news, it seems USA will host a rally next year: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/usa-in-the-frame-to-join-wrc-calendar-in-2026/10716979/

If they do join we’ll have a 15 event calendar.

[rallyfiend]

Correct. It can change but will need the competitors to stop entering like how the hybrid costs made them face reality. The fuel costs are a competitor cost which need to be passed on through diminished entry lists.

Entry lists aren't diminished though....

Everyone wants more manufacturers, well they certainly won't come - or develop rally cars for customer use - if they are not running on sustainabile fuel in the future.

That's just a fact everyone needs to accept.

[deephouse]

In unrelated news, it seems USA will host a rally next year: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/usa-in-the-frame-to-join-wrc-calendar-in-2026/10716979/

If they do join we’ll have a 15 event calendar.

Strange we have no interests from manfacturers but in regard of events there are more than ever was. I'm just concerned that those smart pals from head of sport will sacrifice legendary proven events for those newcomers just because money filling their pockets.

[Eli]

Strange we have no interests from manfacturers but in regard of events there are more than ever was. I'm just concerned that those smart pals from head of sport will sacrifice legendary proven events for those newcomers just because money filling their pockets.
They already have, no Corsica, no Wales, no Argentina, but Saudi Arabia for 10 years? yes please, Japan being one of the most boring tarmac events, of course, Toyota are involved, can’t say no. Indonesia of all places looking for a slot? Sure, I’m not expecting them to keep the same calendar for years on end but I can’t say Latvia was particularly interesting and it has a 2 year ready contract for 2027-2028…

[WRCStan]

Entry lists aren't diminished though....

Then there's not enough 'discontent in the circus' to force change.


Everyone wants more manufacturers, well they certainly won't come - or develop rally cars for customer use - if they are not running on sustainabile fuel in the future.

That's just a fact everyone needs to accept.

That's not a fact.

[deephouse]

They already have, no Corsica, no Wales, no Argentina, but Saudi Arabia for 10 years? yes please, Japan being one of the most boring tarmac events, of course, Toyota are involved, can’t say no. Indonesia of all places looking for a slot? Sure, I’m not expecting them to keep the same calendar for years on end but I can’t say Latvia was particularly interesting and it has a 2 year ready contract for 2027-2028…

So we can expect in the future no Monte, Sweden, probably Portugal... and Toyota competing against themselves with 10 drivers. Ineresting

[Eli]

So we can expect in the future no Monte, Sweden, probably Portugal... and Toyota competing against themselves with 10 drivers. Ineresting

Mind you Monte-Carlo wasn’t in the calendar between 2009-2011, Portugal came back after 6 years in 2007, and even Sweden isn’t bulletproof…a lack of snow in the future will post a problem. Toyota are already competing against themselves as we can see this weekend…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting interview with Kalle on the reason for his Canarias pace, gravel struggles and the difference with the non-hybrid car...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rovanpera-not-expecting-to-suddenly-be-dominant

[denkimi]

Interesting interview with Kalle on the reason for his Canarias pace, gravel struggles and the difference with the non-hybrid car...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rovanpera-not-expecting-to-suddenly-be-dominant
I would say he had the spectacular pace because hyundai and ford sucked, evans didn't wanted to push to the max, and ogier is getting old.

[Sulland]

Is this for real, or russian clickbate trolling?

https://news.humatl.com/kalle-rovanpera-leaves-wrc-in-shockeven-legend-sbastien-ogier-admits-its-beyond-imagination-vothiyenlinh/?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawKGtqVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA1TVVva DRKOFA2bTZVSjlIAR64vw7PW_IOp1Z9sInHvhEr9rhax2t2b72 56JZlsiTX4cRrVJFEoOAUsR4lMg_aem_XSGvrZoHwo--KbvnQzBDwQ

[Rallyper]

Is this for real, or russian clickbate trolling?

https://news.humatl.com/kalle-rovanpera-leaves-wrc-in-shockeven-legend-sbastien-ogier-admits-its-beyond-imagination-vothiyenlinh/?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawKGtqVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA1TVVva DRKOFA2bTZVSjlIAR64vw7PW_IOp1Z9sInHvhEr9rhax2t2b72 56JZlsiTX4cRrVJFEoOAUsR4lMg_aem_XSGvrZoHwo--KbvnQzBDwQ

I guess they telling an18 months old story...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Deleted

[focus206]

I guess the tiny consolation to take from these clickbait articles is that WRC/rallying is at least popular enough for these village "journalists" to make up stories to get clicks. I've never seen it happening for touring car racing, hillclimbing etc.

[WRCStan]

This is wonderful 'AI'. Do us all a favour and delete those links before they start spamming the forum with links.

[EstWRC]

I can tell already by looking at the link it’s not real

Incredible

[saco0o]

this site looks exactly like that one with the breaking news that Evans was quitting WRC to go Wrestling - or something like that

[tbazsi95]

"SOLBERG IN WRC
According to our sources, Oliver Solberg’s return to the WRC is expected to take place in the 2025 Rally Finland aboard the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.
The step up in category would be part of a development program agreed between both parties at the start of the season and the move to the top class is the reason why Solberg left Skoda at the start of 2025 to sign with Toyota.

Solberg is following a very similar growth program to that of Sami Pajari who in turn jumped into the WRC in the 2024 Rally Chile (September 2024, round 11) while Oliver should do so in Finland in August 2025 in round 9.

Solberg is currently campaigning his WRC2 with Toyota (Printsport team) with whom he takes part in all the rounds of the season to gain as much experience as possible.
The results are good (second position behind Rossel but by virtue of the championship rules it is as if they were on equal points) and evidently his data is convincing the top brass of the WRC team.
Solberg has already competed a full season in the WRC, that is with Hyundai in 2022 where however, perhaps because he was too young or perhaps because the car had so many problems, everything went badly (33 points in 12 events). Now there could be a new opportunity after 2 years of purgatory in the WRC2"

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ86Pt1syyQ/

[EstWRC]

thats good news, really would like to see what he can do in a good car. IMO he was very unfortunate to make his debut season in that crap 22 Hyundai

[deephouse]

Only Latvala is missed and then we would have 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 at the end of rally finland for Toyota :P

[Eli]

Only Latvala is missed and then we would have 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 at the end of rally finland for Toyota :P

Who knows? Maybe this year he’ll try a Rally3 Toyota, oh wait, there isn’t one, never mind.

[deephouse]

The wrc should allow old spec cars who competed in championship. Have simultaneously cup for historic cars like delta, quattro, mg zr, xsara, 206,... And put some old legends in it. I bet there would be crowds at events. And also boost wrc recognition again. But I fear that those cars would steal the show against this modern Rally1 machines.

[meh]

The wrc should allow old spec cars who competed in championship. Have simultaneously cup for historic cars like delta, quattro, mg zr, xsara, 206,... And put some old legends in it. I bet there would be crowds at events. And also boost wrc recognition again. But I fear that those cars would steal the show against this modern Rally1 machines.

For sure, there is nostalgia involved for that idea, but it comes with some side effects.

There have been historic cars competing with the same event as WRC cars, and the result is - they are using so different lines and mess up the road that much, that the first on the road for 2nd loop need to do the massive cleaning again. For example, in Estonia, there was a similar problem with trucks. So old cars could only compete on the road after 2nd loop.

Also, depending on the rally, the number of cars passing the road may get too high and cause some logistical challenges - every stage is live too long time.

[saco0o]

is my second language (english) not understind his second language (english) properly or this post was a little bit too harsh?
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ySVEfXehZDCEQhbGqD jtyeU29D86aBchDSDiG7Ct6wBMe2XcFZmDuWdufXzV82fyl&id=61571478364133

[wyler]

is my second language (english) not understind his second language (english) properly or this post was a little bit too harsh?
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ySVEfXehZDCEQhbGqD jtyeU29D86aBchDSDiG7Ct6wBMe2XcFZmDuWdufXzV82fyl&id=61571478364133

It's just a way to generate more reactions and comments on social media. trying to be the agent provocateur.
Look at the comments, it is not really well received

[WRCStan]

is my second language (english) not understind his second language (english) properly or this post was a little bit too harsh?
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ySVEfXehZDCEQhbGqD jtyeU29D86aBchDSDiG7Ct6wBMe2XcFZmDuWdufXzV82fyl&id=61571478364133

You can be as harsh as you want when you talk such delusional simpleton shite. Facebook really is a toilet.

[deephouse]

When Hyundai will leave there will be plenty of drivers who could take a seat at M-Sport and will do it for cheap or probably for free. They will jist accept that the car will be slower and that's it. Almost guaranteed that 2026 will be boring.

[rallyfiend]

https://rallyjournal.com/major-shake-up-looming-for-the-world-rally-championship-swedish-giant-poised-to-take-over-the-series/

The original article:
https://news.sky.com/story/buyout-firm-eqt-revs-up-500m-bid-for-world-rally-promoter-13378163

[Rallyper]

https://rallyjournal.com/major-shake-up-looming-for-the-world-rally-championship-swedish-giant-poised-to-take-over-the-series/

The original article:
https://news.sky.com/story/buyout-firm-eqt-revs-up-500m-bid-for-world-rally-promoter-13378163

Well, hope it´s not going same way as rights for football, etz... Making you put five times the money spent today, to be able to watch rallies in the future.

[AndyRAC]

Private equity firm - what could possibly go wrong.........????

[saco0o]

Private equity firm - what could possibly go wrong.........????

what? its perfect!
- buy it for 500m
- make it INCREDIBLE
- sell it after 5 years for 2.5 bilions!

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rumour of Oliver Solberg doing Rally Finland in a Rally1 GR Yaris...

https://rallyjournal.com/major-rumours-surround-oliver-solberg-and-rally-finland-the-swede-kept-his-cards-close-to-his-chest/