There’s plenty to be excited about in this year’s FIA World Rally Championship. Read on for a closer look at what’s changing, and what to expect from the upcoming season.
While the Rally1 cars will look familiar in 2025, the most notable change is in the powertrain: from this season onwards, all cars will be powered exclusively by 1.6-litre turbocharged internal combustion engines, powered by 100% fossil-free fuel supplied by championship partner P1 Fuels.
Another major shift in 2025 is the introduction of Hankook Tire & Technology as the exclusive supplier for all WRC categories, including WRC, WRC2, WRC3, and FIA Junior WRC. The company’s cutting-edge tyres are designed to provide maximum performance across all surfaces and weather conditions.
2025 brings a streamlined and more competitive points system to the WRC. The new structure simplifies the points awarded at each rally, rewarding the top 10 finishers with points in the following order: 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
Importantly, there will no longer be points allocated for Saturday’s position, meaning rally winners are set to receive the largest share of the points available. But don’t worry – those who encounter early setbacks will still have an opportunity to make a comeback on Super Sunday, where the top five crews can earn additional points (5-4-3-2-1) for their efforts.
The iconic Wolf Power Stage remains unchanged, providing a thrilling finale for teams to battle it out for up to five bonus points (5-4-3-2-1) on the final stage of each rally.
Josh McErlean also makes his Rally1 debut as he dons the M-Sport Ford colours for the first time, taking another step up after impressive performances in the WRC2 ranks. He’s joined by new co-driver Eoin Treacy.
Adrien Fourmaux makes the switch from M-Sport Ford to Hyundai. Sami Pajari takes the leap to a full-time seat with Toyota GAZOO Racing after winning last year’s WRC2 title. For 2025, he’s re-united with co-driver Marko Salminen.
Kalle Rovanperä’s back full-time and ready to chase a third drivers’ title in four years with the Toyota team with Neuville, Tanak and Evans in the running, the stage is set at Monte Carlo soon.
