The World Rally Championship is back, kicking off with the iconic Monte Carlo Rally, the crown jewel of the calendar and a litmus test for the 2025 pecking order. With a packed entry list, new twists, and a grueling route, this year’s event promises high drama from start to finish.
Entry Breakdown
- Total Crews: 70
- Rally1: 10
- Rally2: 32 (23 competing in WRC2)
- Rally3: 12 (8 competing in WRC3)
Key Highlights
- World Champion Debut:
Thierry Neuville, the reigning world champion, sports the coveted #1 on his Hyundai i20 N Rally1, headlining the field. - Toyota’s Five-Car Assault:
The defending manufacturers’ champion deploys a formidable lineup:- Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä, and part-timer Sébastien Ogier will score points.
- Takamoto Katsuta begins his full season but won’t contribute to team points.
- Sami Pajari, 2024’s WRC2 champ, steps into Rally1 with the new Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT2 team.
- M-Sport Ford’s Dual Puma Effort:
- Grégoire Munster continues his tenure.
- Josh McErlean makes his Rally1 debut.
- WRC2 Favorites:
- Nikolay Gryazin (Škoda) and Yohan Rossel (Citroën) resume their fierce rivalry.
- Look out for wildcards like Roberto Daprà and Matthieu Margaillan.
- WRC3 Battle Royale:
- Defending champ Diego Domínguez (Ford) faces factory-backed challengers like Mattéo Chatillon (Renault).
Route Overview
- Total Stages: 18
- Competitive Mileage: 213.5 miles (longest since 2018)
- Shakedown: Wednesday afternoon
Thursday Evening: Opening Leg
- Stages: 3 (new twist, up from two)
- Highlights:
- Digne-les-Bains / Chaudon-Norante: Opens the rally with a northbound run.
- Overnight stop in Gap after Faucon-du-Caire / Bréziers and Avançon / Notre-Dame-du-Laus.
Friday: Northern Loops
- Stages: 3 (repeated for six total)
- Key Tests:
- Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes / La Bâtie-Neuve and La Bréole / Selonnet return.
- New: Saint-Maurice / Aubessagne.
Saturday: The Marathon
- Stages: 3 (repeated for six total)
- Total Mileage: 81.6 miles
- Notables:
- La Motte-Chalancon / Saint-Nazaire: Longest test (16.7 miles).
- Technical tests like Aucelon / Recoubeau-Jansac.
Sunday: The Finale
- Stages: 3 (including Power Stage)
- Total Mileage: 31.6 miles
- Deciders:
- Re-runs of Avançon / Notre-Dame-du-Laus and Digne-les-Bains / Chaudon-Norante.
- The curtain falls with La Bollène-Vésubie / Peïra-Cava Power Stage, offering bonus points.
What to Watch For
- Neuville vs. Toyota Army:
Neuville aims to defend his title, but Toyota’s star-studded roster, led by Evans and Rovanperä, is ready to challenge. - The Rise of WRC2:
With a stacked field, expect fireworks from seasoned competitors like Gryazin and Rossel. - The Grueling Route:
Monte Carlo’s weather and road conditions will test drivers’ adaptability, with mixed surfaces and unpredictable grip levels. - Power Stage Drama:
Sunday’s finale could see crucial points exchanged, influencing both the rally and championship standings.
Monte Carlo always sets the tone for the season, and with a deep field, compelling rivalries, and a tougher-than-ever route, 2025 promises a thrilling start to the WRC season!
