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Consistency Neuville’s first focus as maiden WRC title looms at CER

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Thierry Neuville insists his first focus is on delivering a «consistent run» at this week’s Central European Rally as the Hyundai driver closes in on a maiden World Rally Championship crown.

Neuville heads into the WRC’s penultimate round, spread across the asphalt roads in the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany, with a 29-point lead over nearest rival and team-mate Ott Tanak.

The Belgian will secure a first WRC title if he can extend the margin beyond 30 points this weekend, with only one round of the season remaining in Japan next month.

The odds appear to be in Neuville’s favour who won the Central European Rally last year and will start this year’s edition with the advantage of opening the road as championship leader.

Last weekend Neuville aided his preparations for the rally by participating in the Herbst Rallye in Austria, where his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 was one of the course cars.

While the prospect of a career-defining world title is edging closer, Neuville says his main focus is to ensure he performs consistently this week.

«Last year we had a great victory at the very first Central European Rally. We know we usually perform well on tarmac and winning in Germany was super cool for the whole team,» said Neuville.

Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Vincent Thuillier / Hyundai Motorsport

«Despite difficult conditions, we performed well But because of the stage changes we need to do some video work, so we will be studying those as much as possible to get a good feel of the new areas.

«The main goal is to manage our championship so we can take as many points as possible. Of course, we would like to get that title in our pocket, but our first focus will be having a consistent run.»

Neuville’s Hyundai team will however be eager to issue a response to Toyota’s Rally Chile performance that reduced the deficit in the manufacturers’ title race to 17 points.

«We need to maintain our lead in all three championships, and a clean performance at Central European Rally is essential in eventually bringing them home,» said Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul.

«Thierry won here last year, and we know how strong he is on the tarmac, so anything is possible across the weekend. As well as the push for the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, we also have the fight for the manufacturers’, and we have three strong crews fighting for that too.

«We want to leave CER having taken advantage of our road positions and made the most of the weekend – something we could not do in Chile.»



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Solberg’s failed Rally Chile protest to be reheard by stewards

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


The WRC2 title fight could be set for another twist following confirmation that a previously rejected protest from Oliver Solberg will be reheard by Rally Chile stewards.

A petition led by FIA road sport director Andrew Wheatley has resulted in the case regarding a notional time being awarded to Solberg’s title rival and Rally Chile WRC2 winner Yohan Rossel to be reviewed.

Solberg lodged a protest asking the stewards to re-evaluate a notional time awarded to Rossel that helped the Citroen driver to victory. Rossel vaulted from third to WRC2 class lead when stewards deemed Solberg had hindered the Frenchman during stage 11 and subsequently knocked 40s off his stage time.

Solberg was leading the class in the test when he suffered a puncture which cost the Swede 1m30s to change a wheel. Solberg rejoined the stage ahead of Rossel who felt he had been held up by the Skoda driver while passing through the stage affected by thick fog.

The incident is likely to play a part in determining the outcome WRC2 title as Solberg could have secured the championship with a victory in Chile.

Stewards initially deemed Solberg’s protest inadmissible «because under the FIA International Sporting Code, it is not permissible for the Stewards to review/re-hear their decisions through a protest.»

However, a subsequent stewards report released on Friday states that «significant and relevant new element which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned.»

Oliver Solberg, Elliott Edmondson, Toksport WRT Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2

Oliver Solberg, Elliott Edmondson, Toksport WRT Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

The case will be re-opened and reviewed at a date yet to be announced.

«The Stewards examined video evidence and GPS tracking data provided by the FIA, which was information that was not in the possession of the Clerk of the Course, nor of the Stewards, at the time of the decision was made. The Stewards consider this to be new information,» read the stewards report.

«The FIA explained the relevance of the videos and the GPS tracking data and indicated that if this information had been available at the time the request from the Competitor of Car No. 21 for a new time was received, then a different representation would have been made to the Stewards in relation to the Competitor’s request on SS11 (Lota 2). The Stewards consider the FIA’s submission to be significant and relevant.

«Having considered the matter extensively, the Stewards decide to re-examine their decision in accordance with Article 14.1.1 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code and wish to hear from the parties concerned, namely the Competitor of Car No. 21 and a representative of the FIA, at a time and place to be determined thereafter.»

Solberg currently leads the WRC2 championship standings by 12 points over Rossel, but will now have to rely on results elsewhere to keep his title hopes alive having completed his seven points-scoring events.

Rossel and Sami Pajari (15 points adrift of Solberg) remain in title contention with the pair set to complete their final rounds at the Central European Rally and Rally Japan respectively.



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Benched Katsuta sets goals for WRC return at Central European Rally

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Takamoto Katsuta has set out goals after being benched by Toyota for Rally Chile, as he prepares for his World Rally Championship return at next week’s Central European Rally.

Katsuta rejoins Toyota’s line-up after it temporarily dropped its full-time driver for the visit to Chile last month following a rough run of results.

After undergoing a reset, the 31-year-old jumped back behind the wheel of his GR Yaris Rally1 for a pre-event its last week ahead of Central European Rally’s tricky asphalt stages with a clear objective in mind.

“I’m looking forward to being back in the car and driving on a totally different surface for the last two rallies of the year,” said Katsuta.

“I really like driving on asphalt and I hope to find a good feeling and perform well.

“Central European Rally is a big challenge for everybody with a lot of surface changes and dirt on the road. Last year, the Friday on Czech roads was especially difficult with rain and a lot of cuts.

“With that experience it should be easier to return this year but there will still be many new stages, so we need to focus on making good pacenotes and communicating well with our route note crew.

Takamoto Katsuta, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

Takamoto Katsuta, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

Photo by: Toyota Racing

“I will try to be patient, be there to score points for the team and if everything goes well, it will be easier for me to push at Rally Japan [the season finale].”

Speaking at Rally Chile, Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala empathised with how his driver would be feeling after the decision, but is confident that Katsuta would return stronger.

Latvala also revealed that improving his pacenotes had been identified as area that would benefit the Japanese driver.

“We have had a few phone calls with him and of course it is never a nice situation as he wanted to come to Chile to drive, but after a few days he was thinking about it and understood the situation and was willing to work and try to improve himself to come back stronger,” said Latvala.

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“To understand it first is never nice for the driver. But at the end when you do it and come back, sometimes you realise that this is something good. We have seen that in the past with other drivers [that have been benched]. Adrien [Fourmaux] is a very good example and it also happened to Ott Tanak and Elfyn Evans in the past.

“First of all I wanted him to switch off from rallying, then we wanted him to work with the co-driver to try and improve the notes as we realised in Greece that maybe there is too much information in them, which is then taking away the focus on the driving and the road as he has to listen too much.”

Looking ahead to next week’s rally, Latvala added: “The target will be to have a solid rally, score some points and find a good feeling in the car ahead of Rally Japan.”



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Skoda reveals Rally2-inspired EV race car concept

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Skoda Motorsport has unveiled an all-new electric racing car concept that has taken inspiration and technology from its World Rally Championship Rally2 car.

Based on the road going Enyaq SUV, the new Enyaq RS Race has even in development since 2023 with the aim to create an EV race car concept that closely matches the handling of Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.

The car can generate 340 horsepower and a top speed of 180km/h from two electric motors married to an 82 kWh battery, that have been taken from the production car.

Inside, the car features a rally-specification rollcage, hydraulic handbrake while the pedal box has been taken straight out of the Rally2 car.

Biocomposite parts, incorporating flax fibres in both the body and interior, help to reduce the car’s weight by 316kg compared to the original road car.

Skoda Enyaq RS Race

Skoda Enyaq RS Race

Photo by: Skoda Motorsport

According to the Czech manufacturer, “the project showcases Skoda’s activities in the field of electrified motorsport, driving progress towards a more sustainable future”.

“The Skoda Enyaq RS Race was developed completely in-house by Skoda Motorsport. Based on the Enyaq Coupe RS production model, the car features a distinctive design with strong racing DNA, enhanced aerodynamics and excellent acceleration,” said Johannes Neft, Skoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development.

“In terms of sustainable solutions, the new concept car also serves as a pilot project for future innovations in series production. The biocomposite parts have led to a significant weight reduction, and we are trialling them in motorsport, including in the current Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, with a view to future implementation.”

Speaking in the car’s reveal video factory Skoda rally driver Oliver Solberg, who has driven the concept car, said: “I have to say this new Enyaq RS race is a really exciting car to drive.

“First of all it is super fast and secondly to go that fast this car is much more stable and it feels lower it is not like driving an SUV it feels really cool and fun to drive. It is much more nimble and fun to play with the car.

Skoda Enyaq RS Race

Skoda Enyaq RS Race

Photo by: Skoda Motorsport

“I think they have done a good job with the road car to give it more of a rally feeling.”

While the Enyaq RS Race is a concept currently, the project could point towards the car maker’s future direction in motorsport.

The FIA is currently working to form the WRC’s new 2027 regulations with EV, hybrid and ICE powertrains up for discussion.



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EV, hybrid, ICE power on the table for WRC 2027

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Full electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine powertrains remain as options for the World Rally Championship’s 2027 regulations, according to FIA technical director Xavier Mestelan Pinon.

The FIA has been working for more than 18 months to devise the future direction of the Rally1 and Rally2 WRC classes and is expected top present its 2027 regulations at the World Motor Sport Council in December. 

The world motorsport governing body is hoping to create a rule set that will safeguard the involvement of current marques and attract new brands to the discipline. While firm decisions on the 2027 regulations are yet to be made, it appears the proposal the FIA’s taskforce published in February offers a relatively accurate framework for what could be the future of Rally1 and Rally2 classes.

The Rally1 spaceframe chassis, which has increased safety levels and accommodated various car model body shapes, since it was launched in 2022, is expected to continue with adaptations. Plans to expand chassis construction out to tuning companies, and not locked to only manufacturers, is being discussed. 

The FIA is working to reduce costs with the previously touted figure of 400,000 euros for a Rally1 car among the ongoing talks. Rally1 cars are expected to based on road-going vehicles and are likely to undergo a drop in performance and aerodynamics to help make the category more accessible to developing drivers.

Internal combustion engines, hybrid and EV powertrains remain on the table for discussion alongside the possibility of some form of equivalence of technology should the rules develop to be open to various technologies. 

“We can consider that all technologies are suitable but what is important is to take the best decision what is good for rally in terms of technology and which championship is good for each technology,” Mestelan Pinon told Autosport.

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

“Today we strongly believe that biofuel or synthetic fuel is a good business and now after that we want to open the rules to electrify the engine and when I say that it could be hybrid or full EV. This is something again we need to finalise but this is the target. 

“This would be based one the same chassis so with the same suspension, body shell and so on because it is important that an ICE car and an electrified vehicle have the same performance. Of course we would have to define an equivalence of technology and this something that we can manage well in other categories.

“The target again is to have more cars in the Rally1 category so that means the basic car will be ICE. 

“We strongly believe that an electrified version could make sense and we have had some discussions with potential newcomers and current manufacturers so it is very difficult to say. 

“We need to be openminded. It is too difficult to say if the direction will be ICE and full EV or ICE and full EV plus hybrid, it is too early. 

“My personal opinion is that full EV could make sense because for stages that are 35 kilometres it is easy to manage with the same level of performance as the ICE car and you can have some charging unit at the end of each stage. 

“This is a thing we need to decide altogether with the WRC Commission president but with the manufacturers the promoters and World Motor Sport Council so it is a global decision.”

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Rally1 has adopted hybrid power since 2022 with 1.6 litre turbocharged engines married to a control Compact Dynamics hybrid kit generating around 500 horsepower in short bursts. 

While rallycross has adopted full electric power, it is still in its infancy in rallying. Although, the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, based around the 100kW two-wheel-drive Opel Corsa-e Rally car, is in its fourth season of competition with its final round at the World Rally Championship’s Central European Rally next week.

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Croatia edging closer to WRC return in 2026

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Rally Croatia organisers have announced that they have succeeded in securing the government guarantees necessary to prepare for a return to the World Rally Championship.

The asphalt event made its WRC debut in 2021 quickly becoming a regular hosting four editions of the event before losing its place on the 2025 calendar.

The 14-round 2025 WRC calendar was announced in July with three new rallies with the Canary Islands, Paraguay and Saudi Arabia joining the schedule.

The WRC Promoter was in discussions to renew its agreement with a three-year deal on the table, but Croatia Rally organisers were unable to secure the support and guarantees from the local government.

Plan «B» was to host a European Rally Championship round in 2025 and try to secure a place on the WRC calendar for 2026 and 2027. This too was uncertain, as the government delayed sending the relevant documents.

However, rally organisers have announced that the future of the rally has been secured and a new deal is expected to agreed with WRC Promoter.

Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images

In an official statement, organisers have communicated that «all necessary documentation for hosting the European Rally Championship (ERC) and the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Croatia from 2025 to 2027 has been collected. In the coming days, the official signing of the agreement between the Croatia Rally organisers and the WRC promoter is expected, followed by the start of preparations.”

Daniel Saskin, chairman of the Croatia Rally organising committee, said: “In 2025, we are bringing the European Rally Championship to Croatia, and then in 2026 and 2027, the WRC Croatia Rally will return. We thank all the institutions for their support, especially the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, who recognised the value of this motorsport event for Croatia.

«Starting today, together with the WRC promoter and our local partners, counties, and municipalities, we begin negotiations on the preparation and execution of the event. We thank the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Auto and Karting Association for their continued support as important partners in these events.”

WRC Promoter, who is also responsible for the ERC, is still working on next year’s schedule, which should comprise eight rounds including Wales’ Rali Ceredigion. 

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Ducati MotoGP star to pilot Group B WRC rally car

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Factory Ducati MotoGP rider Enea Bastianini is set to swap two wheels for four at the Rallylegend festival this weekend.  

The seven-time motorcycle premier-class race winner is set to pilot a Group B Audi Quattro S1 at the 22nd edition of the four-day celebration of rallying past and present held in San Marino.

Bastianini, who finished fourth in last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, will share the Quattro with Lamborghini research and development test driver Emanuele Zonzini. It is anticipated that both will enjoy runs piloting the car through the rally event’s spectator stage.

The Audi Quattro S1 was designed to compete in the WRC’s infamous Group B era generating approximately 450 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.1 litre engine. It made its debut towards the end of the 1984 season, helping the German marque to second in the manufacturers’ title race behind Peugeot in 1985.

Walter Rohrl, Christian Geistdorfer, Audi Sport Quattro S1

Walter Rohrl, Christian Geistdorfer, Audi Sport Quattro S1

Photo by: Motorsport Images

Bastianini isn’t the only MotoGP star to take an interest in rallying. In 2020, current Pramac Ducati rider Franco Morbidelli contested the final round of the WRC at Rally Monza driving a Rally2 Hyundai i20 N, finishing 39th in class.

His mentor and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has enjoyed success in rallying winning the Monza Rally Show seven times while making three WRC starts.

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Rallylegend is set to welcome an array of WRC stars including current M-Sport-Ford driver Adrien Fourmaux, who will pilot the Ford Puma Rally1 car.

The Frenchman is set to do battle with one-time Formula 1 race winner turned rally driver Heikki Kovalainen, driving a 2017-spec Citroen C3 WRC car alongside Janne Ferm, who announced his retirement from WRC co-driving alongside Esapekka Lappi earlier this month.

WRC champion Stig Blomqvist will also jump back behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro as the event marks the 40th anniversary of the Swede’s championship success in 1984. Double WRC champion Miki Biasion will also be in attendance driving a Lancia 037, while the Lancia Stratos’ 50th anniversary since its first world title (1974) will also be marked.

Joining Blomqvist and Biasion among the star names at the rally will be six-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner and 1983 Dakar Rally victor Jacky Ickx, and 1981 WRC champion and four-time Dakar winner Ari Vatanen. The pair will drive the examples of the respective Porsche 959 and Peugeot 405 T16 Dakar machines they campaigned in period.

Former WRC factory driver Armin Schwarz will drive an Audi Quattro Coupe Group A, while son Fabio Schwarz will demonstrate a Hyundai Accent WRC, an example of the car that his father drove in the WRC from 2002-03.



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Ducati MotoGP star to pilot Group B WRC rally car

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Factory Ducati MotoGP rider Enea Bastianini is set to swap two wheels for four at the Rallylegend festival this weekend.  

The seven-time motorcycle premier-class race winner is set to pilot a Group B Audi Quattro S1 at the 22nd edition of the four-day celebration of rallying past and present held in San Marino.

Bastianini, who finished fourth in last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, will share the Quattro with Lamborghini research and development test driver Emanuele Zonzini. It is anticipated that both will enjoy runs piloting the car through the rally event’s spectator stage.

The Audi Quattro S1 was designed to compete in the WRC’s infamous Group B era generating approximately 450 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.1 litre engine. It made its debut towards the end of the 1984 season, helping the German marque to second in the manufacturers’ title race behind Peugeot in 1985.

Walter Rohrl, Christian Geistdorfer, Audi Sport Quattro S1

Walter Rohrl, Christian Geistdorfer, Audi Sport Quattro S1

Photo by: Motorsport Images

Bastianini isn’t the only MotoGP star to take an interest in rallying. In 2020, current Pramac Ducati rider Franco Morbidelli contested the final round of the WRC at Rally Monza driving a Rally2 Hyundai i20 N, finishing 39th in class.

His mentor and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has enjoyed success in rallying winning the Monza Rally Show seven times while making three WRC starts.

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Rallylegend is set to welcome an array of WRC stars including current M-Sport-Ford driver Adrien Fourmaux, who will pilot the Ford Puma Rally1 car.

The Frenchman is set to do battle with one-time Formula 1 race winner turned rally driver Heikki Kovalainen, driving a 2017-spec Citroen C3 WRC car alongside Janne Ferm, who announced his retirement from WRC co-driving alongside Esapekka Lappi earlier this month.

WRC champion Stig Blomqvist will also jump back behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro as the event marks the 40th anniversary of the Swede’s championship success in 1984. Double WRC champion Miki Biasion will also be in attendance driving a Lancia 037, while the Lancia Stratos’ 50th anniversary since its first world title (1974) will also be marked.

Joining Blomqvist and Biasion among the star names at the rally will be six-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner and 1983 Dakar Rally victor Jacky Ickx, and 1981 WRC champion and four-time Dakar winner Ari Vatanen. The pair will drive the examples of the respective Porsche 959 and Peugeot 405 T16 Dakar machines they campaigned in period.

Former WRC factory driver Armin Schwarz will drive an Audi Quattro Coupe Group A, while son Fabio Schwarz will demonstrate a Hyundai Accent WRC, an example of the car that his father drove in the WRC from 2002-03.



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Rovanpera «recharged» and ready for 2025 WRC full-time return

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Kalle Rovanpera says he feels “recharged” and ready to make a full-time return to the World Rally Championship next year after exploring his motorsport horizons this season.

The two-time World Rally champion made a surprise decision to conduct a part-time WRC campaign this year, stating a desire to scale back temporarily following his second consecutive world title last year.

The factory Toyota driver has however remained a key part of the Japanese brand’s WRC effort this season, contributing four wins from his seven starts to date in Kenya, Poland, Latvia and Chile which has already exceeded his tally en-route to last year’s world title.

Away from the stages, the 24-year-old has made the most of his free time by taking in a several extra curricular motorsport activities including drifting and a successful move into circuit racing. Competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux series has yielded wins at Imola and the Red Bull Ring.

When Rovanpera made his decision to go part-time this year, he maintained that he would return to the WRC on a full-time basis for 2025 with Toyota.

Speaking to Motorsport.com at Monza, where he is competing in a one-off appearance in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy, Rovanpera says he is prepared to face an expanded 14-round season next year.

“I think my batteries have recharged, yes,” Rovanpera said.

“I am ready to come back and race a full season, even though it will be even longer and harder.”

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

While Rovanpera is ready to make a full-time return to rallying, he is keen do to more circuit racing in the future.

“As far as plans for 2025 are concerned, for sure I will do the whole season with Toyota in the WRC. I will come back to do the whole season,” he added.

“After that, I don’t know anything yet about a possible track program. I would certainly still like to race on the track.”

Rovanpera’s outing in Monza this weekend comes off the back of winning the WRC’s visit to Chile last weekend, which has helped Toyota reignite its manufacturers’ title tilt by reducing Hyundai’s lead to 17 points with two rounds remaining.

Toyota will be without Rovanpera for the penultimate round of the season at the Central European Rally (17-20 October).

The team will field four entries for Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, Sebastien Ogier and Sami Pajari.

Rovanpera will however confirmed that he will contest the year’s Killarney Historic Rally in Ireland (30 November), where he will be trading in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 for a rear-wheel-drive Toyota Starlet.

Additional reporting by Gianluca Marchese and Giacomo Rauli

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