The 2025 FIA World Rally Championship launched. The engines whoosh, and tires squeal, promising more excitement than a hairpin turn in Monte Carlo! This 53rd season features new drivers, new rules, and a few wild cards. Who are the drivers to watch? Which rising star will shine the brightest? What changes to the WRC regulations? Whether you’re a seasoned fan who knows the rush of a perfectly executed hairpin or a curious newcomer who wonders what all the dust is about – you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the key points of the 2025 WRC season and help you find your own answers.
And let’s begin with the primary contenders.
The Tops And Underdogs: WRC 2025′ Teams And Drivers
Ah, the glory days of Lancia, Peugeot, Volkswagen, or Citroen are still on permanent vacation. So, the current season sees supremacy: Hyundai, Toyota, and M-Sport Ford. Three teams, ten drivers, one championship, and enough drama to fuel its own documentary.
Hyundai Motorsport World Rally Team
Who would have imagined that a relatively new player in rallying would become the first Korean manufacturer to clinch the WRC title in 2019?
Talk about a motorsport plot twist!
They doubled down on success in 2020 under Andrea Adamo’s guidance, but then things got a bit bumpy. The team transformations, leadership shuffles, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to make reality TV producers green with envy.
The trajectory changed in 2023 when Cyril Abiteboul took over as team principal, bringing his Formula 1 expertise from Renault. And by 2024, Hyundai had emerged as Toyota’s most formidable rival.
Hyundai is probably the most ambitious team in the WRC. It’s their secret weapon, just like their knack for technical innovation. From radical spoiler designs to unique headlight angles, their engineers are constantly brainstorming possibilities.
Could this explain why the Hyundai Rally1 cars are so fast on the tarmac? Maybe. Their technical innovations really pay off there. If they can keep their gremlins at bay, they’re contenders for strong results in the 2025 Championship.
For all their genius, Hyundai seems to be carrying some severe internal tension. You can almost feel the friction in the team.
Ironically, for such a technologically advanced team, reliability is Hyundai’s kryptonite. One minute, they’re crushing it, all cars at the top of the leaderboard. But the next minute, dreams are shattered by a mechanical failure – more of a mechanical scream than a whisper, to be honest!
And when it comes to gravel, the Hyundai rally cars seem to lose their mojo. The team struggles to find the proper settings to get a good grip on gravel roads. Finland or Rally Portugal are classic examples.
On top of that, the team doesn’t always look like the happiest bunch. Do you know what it’s like to smile all the time and then race each other like you’re trying to win at all costs? That’s the sport. At Hyundai, however, it comes down to the rigid team order policy.
It’s not inherently good or bad. But, they struggle to adapt when things go wrong fast. So Hyundai can fall apart under the pressure of the championship. As a result, the team dynamics often feel like a high-stakes chess match, where the strategic decisions can be more controversial than helpful.
Hyundai WRC Team: Key Takeaways
Before the 2025 WRC season, Hyundai boasted an impressive:
- 29 total wins
- 2 World Championships
- Creative engineering solutions
- Advanced technical concepts for the Rally1 car
- Exceptional tarmac rally performance
- Struggles with gravel rally performance
- Reliability issues
- Strict team orders
Hyundai’s Top: Thierry Neuville And Ott Tänak
So, every win is crucial for Hyundai. Therefore, Thierry Neuville’s championship title in 2024 was vital for the entire Hyundai ecosystem.
And for Neuville, who has been chasing it since 2014.
If I had to put my money on Hyundai, I’d put it on their star drivers. Both have what it takes to win, but their styles are worlds apart.
The Calculated Approach of Thierry Neuville
The 36-year-old Belgian rally star is a formidable contender. He has 69 podiums, 21 victories, and a title, however. And let’s not forget that he’s famous for those fearless rally battles against Ott Tänak and Sébastien Ogier over the past 5 years. Oh, and yes, he’s also a shrewd businessman.
Neuville is an expert in psychological warfare. His mental toughness is the stuff of legends. Where other drivers might crack under pressure, Thierry seems to thrive, turning challenging stages into his own personal playground.
But his real magic, though, unfolds on the tarmac. Corner after corner, he carves through the technical sections with incredible precision. Consider the Rally Croatia 2024, where he and co-driver Martin Wydaeghe won 15 out of 20 stages! The automotive choreography, no less.
As for his team, Neuville’s co-driver is Martin Wydaeghe. Martin replaced Nicolas Gilsoul, who had been at Thierry’s side since 2014 but parted ways right before the 2021 Monte Carlo Rally.
What weaknesses? He’s been the ‘almost’ champion for years – always tantalizingly close to victory but always falling just short. And this is a kind of psychological burden. Sometimes, it makes him drive more cautiously than he should. Neuville avoids those risks that could bring big rewards.
In the heat of the moment, Belgian can be a bit of a powder keg – he can explode with intensity. Sometimes, it boosts his performance, but other times, it can throw his strategy out the window.
The Ice-Cold Approach of Ott Tänak
Ice cold, that’s Ott Tänak. The 37-year-old Estonian rally star debuted around the same time as Neuville in 2009. Heading into the 2025 WRC season, he boasts an impressive record: 21 wins, 52 podium finishes, and a championship title (with Toyota in 2019).
Tänak’s team history reads like a fashion show; he changes teams almost as often as some people change clothes. He’s the only driver to have raced for every team in the WRC’s main league in 2025.
His journey began with M-Sport Ford, then he moved to Toyota in 2018 (winning the title in 2019), jumped to Hyundai in 2020, returned to M-Sport in 2022, and then, in a twist of fate, found himself back at Hyundai in 2024.
The constant team changes don’t seem to bother Tänak. In fact, it might even add to his versatility. A top-notch driver who can jump into any car and quickly master any surface. He’s as cool and collected as Kimi Räikkönen in Formula 1.
When he’s on, Tänak is a man-machine hybrid. Mud, snow, gravel, or asphalt is all just a playground for his incredible talent. His driving style is a mixture of risk and aggression. No thoughts, no minds, and no excuses. He attacks every corner, refusing to back down from anyone and displaying determination to be #1.
But with that brilliance comes a wild unpredictability. Sometimes, Tänak attacks overaggressive. Also, he can leave rivals in absolute awe in one rally, only to struggle inexplicably in the next.
Speaking of consistency, Tänak’s partnership with co-driver Martin Järveoja is a testament to his commitment to teamwork. Together, they were awarded the Estonian Sports Team of the Year.
Underdog: Adrien Fourmaux
French rally driver Adrien Fourmaux is where raw potential meets burning ambition. His driving style? Fearless, bordering on the theatrical.
He attacks rally stages with the enthusiasm of a rookie but with the strategic mind of a seasoned veteran. Fourmaux won 15 stages in 59 rallies and scored 228 points overall.
After four years of developing his skills in the less competitive M-Sport Ford environment, Fourmaux’s move to Hyundai is his chance to prove that he belongs among the rally elite.
Along with co-driver Alexandre Coria, Fourmaux is a valuable asset as the team looks to challenge for both stage wins and championship points.
But back to the main chapters.
Despite Neuville’s title win, Hyundai faced a bittersweet end to the season. In a nail-biting finale, they saw the Manufacturers’ title slip through their fingers and into Toyota’s hands.
Ah, the glory days of Lancia, Peugeot, Volkswagen, or Citroen are still on permanent vacation. So, the current season sees supremacy: Hyundai, Toyota, and M-Sport Ford. Three teams, ten drivers, one championship, and enough drama to fuel its own documentary.
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Toyota enters the WRC 2025 season like the fox guarding the henhouse – reigning champion, ready to defend their title.
These guys have been on the WRC since it all began. With 8 manufacturers’ championships, Toyota doesn’t just participate – they’re here to dominate.
Tighter than a drum, the team is led by rally legends four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen and Jari-Matti Latvala. It’s like having Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi on your team!
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Being top dog means everyone’s gunning for you, and the pressure can be hotter than a jalapeño eating contest. They’re still fine-tuning their Rally1 car to maintain their lead, while tire management remains a key challenge.
And let’s not forget the challenge of managing their star drivers – it’s like herding cats. These cats, however, are world-class rally athletes with massive egos!
Toyota WRC Team: Key Takeaways
Before the 2025 WRC season, Toyota boasted an impressive:
- 8 Manufacturers’ Championships
- Experienced team leadership
- Unmatched reliability
- Perfect performance on gravel and tarmac
- A star-studded driver line-up
Toyota’s Top drivers: Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier
The Welsh Wizard Elfyn Evans
Elfyn Evans, at 36, is already a seasoned Toyota veteran. With nine wins and a staggering 37 podiums, the Welshman has been knocking on the WRC door for years. Twice, in 2020 and 2023, he’s come within a whisker of taking the crown.
As the son of 1996 British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans, rallying is in his blood. His methodical driving style is a testament to his racing pedigree. Precise and effective, even though not always spectacular.
Adaptability is another key weapon; Evans finds his rhythm on any surface – gravel, tarmac, or icy roads. For pure composure, look no further than Evans. He doesn’t break, he strategizes. He’s the driver you want in your corner when the pressure is on.
However, there is a downside to his consistent style. Sometimes, his cautious approach holds him back. That hesitation, that second thought, can cost him the win when a more aggressive approach would be the golden ticket. While his lightning-fast performances are impressive, he can’t replicate them consistently from event to event.
After all, Elfyn Evans remains a serious threat. So, with his long-time co-driver Scott Martin, they’re ready to finally make the dream of the WRC crown a reality for the 2025 season.
Finnish Prodigy Kalle Rovanperä
Don’t look he’s only 24! Kalle is a rally phenomenon. He’s Max Verstappen of the WRC. At 10, he entered his first rally; by 16, he claimed his first victory. This wasn’t merely the beginning of a career—it was a supernova, blazing brilliantly from the start.
Rovanperä’s journey was marked by two WRC2 titles with Skoda. But, the move to Toyota in 2020 brought him the glory of youngest podium finisher and winner in WRC history.
Rovanperä’s driving style is about a primal connection with his car. That feeling when the vehicle becomes an extension of yourself. He has that feeling in the snowy forests of Sweden as well as on the dusty trails of Kenya’s Safari Rally (which he won in 2022). A true masterclass in man-machine fusion. That’s Kalle.
You might think he has no weaknesses. Wrong. Despite his precision and assertiveness, Rovanperä lacks that burning hunger for victory. After winning two championships in 2022 and 2023, he shifted his focus. He raced in the Formula Drift and tested a Red Bull Formula 1 car while competing as a part-time driver in the WRC. And yes, he even debuted in the 24 Hours of Dubai.
Now, back at the wheel with co-driver Jonne Halttunen, he’s chasing a third WRC title. Can anyone stop him? The odds are in his favor.
Sébastien Ogier: The Maestro Of The Rally Orchestra
Sébastien Ogier is a rallying icon, a living legend. Forget the numbers – his 192 rallies, 105 podiums, 61 victories, and 8 titles are just notes on a music sheet. Ogier is the maestro who still conducts the rally orchestra, and his fire burns hotter than any upstart.
His career began as a dramatic overture in the 2008 Rally Mexico, where he tore up the Junior WRC. He became the first Junior WRC driver to score championship points. It was the beginning of a career to rival legendary nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb. A new era in rallying.
Ogier’s strategic mind sets him apart. He plays chess on wheels, making calculated moves on every stage to control himself and his rivals. Unlike drivers who focus solely on raw speed, Ogier has turned rallying into an intellectual pursuit – it’s about finesse, precision, and outsmarting the competition.
Another of his tricks is psychological warfare. He relentlessly applies methodical pressure, pecking away at his rivals’ confidence. He’s like an eagle, watching and plotting their downfall. His “weakness”? He can make mistakes while pushing the car to its limits. The rest are footnotes in a career written in the stars.
After winning his eighth title in 2021, Ogier became a part-time driver. While many expected him to fade away, he re-emerged as a top contender in 2024, winning the season-closing Rally Japan in a mic-drop moment. Ogier continues to orchestrate a symphony of speed. True champions don’t retire – they evolve, which is why the rallying world is not only watching Ogier – it’s studying him.
For the 2025 WRC season, Ogier continues his part-time career with co-driver Vincent Landais, ready to teach the art of rallying while scoring valuable points.
Beyond the stars: Takamoto Katsuta, Sami Pajari, and Lorenzo Bertelli
Nurtured Toyota asset Takamoto Katsuta
Katsuta’s rallying journey hasn’t been a straight line. Japanese driver started in Formula 3 with a view to Formula 1 before making his WRC debut. Along with co-driver Aaron Johnston, Katsuta joined Toyota in 2020 and has become a valuable asset. His consistent performances have contributed to Toyota’s Manufacturers’ championships.
Katsuta’s calm driving style minimizes risk, but he often struggles to find that extra raw speed when needed. The 31-year-old has 5 podiums and secured a full-time seat at Toyota for the WRC 2025. And who knows his first victory may not be too far away.
A Rising Star: Sami Pajari
The rookie driver, with a Junior WRC title (2021) and a WRC2 title (2024), Sami Pajari has earned a full-time seat with Toyota. However, it’s a make-or-break opportunity for the 23-year-old Finnish talent in 2025.
He’s paired with co-driver Marko Salminen, replacing Enni Mälkönen, the only female co-driver in the WRC‘s premier league. However, Enni has moved on to work with former Hyundai WRC driver Esapekka Lappi.
We’re sure her time of glory will come soon.
And Lorenzo Bertelli
More interesting than who Lorenzo Bertelli is is that when he’s not navigating the world of high fashion for Prada (yes, that Prada), he’s behind the wheel of a Toyota Rally1 car. To push the limits, part-time driver Bertelli races with co-driver Simone Scattolin.
However, Bertelli’s presence shows passion for rallying unites the world.
M-Sport Ford World Rally Team
Led by Malcolm Wilson and ever-enthusiastic Richard Millener, M-Sport Ford is like that legendary rock band that always delivers, even with vintage amps.
With 12 rally wins and Manufacturers’ Championships in 2017, M-Sport Ford reminds us why we love this sport: grit, determination, and a ‘we’ll try anything’ attitude.
Despite its WRC history, M-Sport is a private team, relying heavily on sponsorship and partnerships. This limits their resources for car development and testing.
They build a rocket ship out of spare parts and sheer willpower while others cruise in spaceships. Their leaner operation means they’re fighting a knife fight with a spork—and that’s why they’re so lovable.
Their ‘make the best of what you’ve got’ approach sometimes yields stunning results; remember Sebastien Loeb’s stunning 2022 Monte Carlo win in a Ford Puma?
Hence, their inconsistency: it’s like listening to a new album. Some rallies are absolute bangers, and others… not so much. They don’t always put out #1 and #2 hits. However, they are fighters who never give up, which makes them thrilling to watch.
M-Sport Ford also excels at finding and developing talents, transforming rough diamonds into rally royalty. This talent incubator provides future champions their first taste of the big leagues, giving rock star drivers their break. They’re not afraid to break the rules—M-Sport launched the careers of Ott Tänak, Elfyn Evans, and many others.
M-Sport Ford Team: Key Takeaways
Before the 2025 WRC season, M-Sport Ford boasted:
- 1 Manufacturers’ Championship (2017)
- Experienced team leadership
- Limited sponsorship
- Limited development resources
- Resourceful and innovative developers
- Exceptional talent development
M-Sport’s Young Guns: Munster, McErlean and Sesks
M-Sport Ford’s 2025 line-up brings a unique flavor: Grégoire Munster, the calculated strategist; Josh McErlean, the track tornado; and Martins Sesks, the Latvian sensation.
Grégoire Munster, a young talent from Luxembourg and son of 1995 rally champion Bernard Munster. He earned his place in M-Sport Ford and established himself in 2024. With co-driver Louis Louka, Munster’s calculated and consistent approach should pay off; M-Sport is counting on him for points and maybe even a podium finish or two this year.
Then there’s Josh McErlean, a whirlwind of raw talent from Ireland. It’s as if M-Sport has added a shot of pure adrenaline to their line-up. The British Rally Champion, who also finished second in WRC2 in Rally Portugal (2024), brings an aggressive, never-say-die style to the tarmac. He’s the kind of guy who drives every stage like it’s his last, and with co-driver Eoin Treacy, he’s always a threat to steal a stage win.
And Latvian sensation Martins Sesks, who joins M-Sport as a part-time driver for 2025. The 25-year-old is a bolt of lightning who electrified the rallying world with a brilliant debut at the 2024 Rally Poland.
Driving a less powerful Rally2 car, Sesks was second fastest on the opening day, leaving Rally1 cars in his wake.
M-Sport hopes he’ll bring this talent, and his ability to learn quickly and adapt to any surface should see him consistently score points this season.
With Munster, McErlean, and Sesks, M-Sport’s 2025 line-up is the mix that promises thrills, spills, and maybe even some surprises on the road. Whether it will be victory? Only time will tell.
So many interesting faces, you might say. Exactly! But you’ll be even more intrigued when you see where they’ll be racing.
WRC 2025: New Rules, New Thrills?
It’s as if WRC Promoter threw a bunch of new ingredients into the rally recipe – will it be a Michelin-starred meal or a flop?
New Season – Upgraded Destinations!
The 2025 WRC calendar takes three exciting turns. So, compared to the WRC 2024 calendar, the value base hasn’t changed. While legendary and one of my favorite rounds like Monte Carlo, Sweden, and Kenya will remain, Croatia will be phased out until 2026 to make way for the Rally Islas Canarias – the first twist.
Ah, I like Rally Croatia for its technical turns. However, the Rally Islas Canarias is like an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time – yes, but hold your horses. This time, it means… tarmac stages with volcanic backdrops! Yes, you read that right! Expect winding roads and fast, flowing stages typical of Spanish rallies in the stunning background.
However, next are rugged Portugal, unpredictable Sardegna, exciting Greece, fantastic Estonia, legendary Finland, and a completely new Paraguay – the second twist. Geez!
Rally Paraguay takes the WRC into new territory with lush green landscapes and challenging gravel roads. Folks – we’ve never had a WRC event in Paraguay! So, no even expectations here.
Then comes Chile, followed by the Central European Rally. I love Rally Chile. I love Rally Chile. However, the Japanese round has to end the season, which has become a tradition, but not this year. The season ends with a third new venue: Saudi Arabia, which adds an extra round, totaling 14.
Yes, the deserts of Saudi Arabia join the party! Yes, Saudi Arabia has been gaining popularity in world motorsport, but it offers thrills in return; ask Formula 1 fans! Ironically, the venue is the same – Jeddah. The event presents a new challenge, with temperatures above +30C that will test the drivers’ endurance to the limit.
The goal is to create an epic, new rally experience, and what could be better than a challenging desert? Fortunately, they have removed the hybrids from the Rally1 cars. Otherwise, this will be the technical killer, no less.
So, although the absence of Mexico and Croatia is disappointing, the WRC is shaping up to be the most exciting season yet.
| ROUND | RALLY | DATE |
| 01 | Rallye Monte-Carlo (results) | 23 – 26 January |
| 02 | Rally Sweden | 13 – 16 February |
| 03 | Safari Rally Kenya | 20 – 23 March |
| 04 | Rally Islas Canarias | 24 – 27 April |
| 05 | Rally de Portugal | 15 – 18 May |
| 06 | Rally Italia Sardegna | 05 – 08 June |
| 07 | Acropolis Rally Greece | 26 – 29 June |
| 08 | Delfi Rally Estonia | 17 – 20 July |
| 09 | Secto Rally Finland | 31 July – 03 August |
| 10 | Rally del Paraguay | 28 – 31 August |
| 11 | Rally Chile Bio Bío | 11 – 14 September |
| 12 | Central European Rally | 16 – 19 October |
| 13 | FORUM8 Rally Japan | 06 – 09 November |
| 14 | Rally Saudi Arabia | 27 – 30 November |
On top of that, the FIA WRC has shaken up the rules and regulations.
Tech Alert: Secrets We Didn’t See Coming
Bye-bye hybrids!
First and foremost, as mentioned above, they took the hybrid units out of the Rally1 cars and gave them back. Yes, the WRC is officially ditching the units introduced in 2022. Things are going old school. No more electric boosts and hybrid batteries, but a lot less to fix (and pay for).
Because hybrids added cost without adding excitement. Who could have seen that coming?
As for the speed. The weight of the Rally1 cars has been reduced, and the air intake will be smaller, keeping the power-to-weight ratio similar. Therefore, rally cars in 2025 have to be faster, but that’s not all…
Welcome Hankook!
So it seems that nothing will stop Ogier from winning because the time he had been punctured at Pirelli is a thing of the past, right?
Let’s welcome Hankoo as the new official tire supplier for all four-wheel drive cars. It’s a change of guard – will it mean faster times, more grip, or more unexpected slides?
However, it will add a new spicy to the mix, and Hankook’s contract runs until the end of the 2027 season.
The Magic Points system
Let’s face it, I was just getting used to the points system, but the WRC changed it again.
So, let’s forget the nightmare, all those Saturday points, Sunday points, etc. – the daily points chaos. Now, at the end of the rally, the top ten overall drivers get points on a scale of 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
Simple, right? A little, because of Super Sunday.
So the top five crews of the Sunday protocol get extra points on the ladder: 5-4-3-2-1, while the Power Stage comes as a bonus stage where again the top five drivers get extra points: 5-4-3-2-1.
Thus, the maximum number of points a rally driver can score per weekend is 35, of which 25 are for the overall result, 5 for Sunday and 5 for the Power Stage.
Your WRC Rally, Your Choice!
If I had to pick a team, my heart would keep whispering: “M-Sport Ford.” Something about these scrappy underdogs makes me want to root for them and secretly dream of joining their team to see what it’s like.
But my brain knows that Toyota is the team to beat, a well-oiled machine that’s almost boring – just kidding, Toyota fans!
If I had to go up against one team? It would be Hyundai – the perfect mix of audacity and talent.
And what about the drivers? Let’s face it, picking favorites is a dangerous game! Well, let’s go with my gut. The driver I’m rooting for this year is Ott Tänak. Always a thrill to watch!
Another one I like personally is Thierry Neuville. He’s like a master strategist, always smiling but ready to sting.
But if I had to pick the winners, it’s Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier. Ogier is the old master and the tactical genius, while Kalle Rovanperä’s potential is sky-high. He is a top contender for the title.
Finally, the driver I’m most excited about this year is Martins Sesks, a young prodigy who could steal the show!
A little rambling? Yes, it is! But it makes the 2025 WRC season so exciting – filled with incredibly talented drivers and teams, even though if there could be more…
So pick your favorites, sit back, and be ready for the rollercoaster ride.
And remember, rallying is always more fun when you’re on the edge of your seat!
