2025 Rallying

[BertMk2]

With the conclusion of the 2024 WRC season thoughts turn to next year - who's driving where and for how many events?

Toyota
Rovanpera (full season)
Evans (full season)
Katstuta (full season)
Pajari (full season)
Ogier (part season)

Hyundai
Neuville (full season)
Tanak (full season)
Car 3 - Formeaux? / Sordo? / Mikkelsen? / Lappi?
Car 4 (not confirmed but discussed)

The fourth Hyundai hasn't been confirmed yet but looks likely based on comments by the team. Formeaux has been linked with the 3rd seat so looks likely. The 4th car if it does happen is likely to be a split drive - presumably Sordo/Lappi. Mikkelsen has been mentioned as staying but also there were comments in Japan about it being his last top level event so he could be out. I thought Solberg might have been a possibility but I haven't seen his name linked to a seat anywhere.

M-Sport
Car 1 - Munster?
Car 2 - ??

I've not really heard much about M-Sport for next season - if Formeaux does leave for Hyundai I'd expect them to try and retain Munster for some continuity. Not heard any other names linked with the team though.

[tbtstt]

Four full time cars from Hyundai would be great. Obviously another manufacturer would be best but, in the absence of that, strong numbers from the manufacturers we have is the next best thing.

Really hope that the reduction in cost (with the hybrid gone) might permit M-Sport to run a third car, but perhaps that is wishful thinking there: and of course they need the talent to drive the cars as well.

[BertMk2]

[QUOTE=tbtstt;4236512]Four full time cars from Hyundai would be great. Obviously another manufacturer would be best but, in the absence of that, strong numbers from the manufacturers we have is the next best thing. [QUOTE]

The fourth car looks like it might only be for some events - shame if that's accurate but better than no fourth car at all.

Originally Posted by tbtstt

Really hope that the reduction in cost (with the hybrid gone) might permit M-Sport to run a third car, but perhaps that is wishful thinking there: and of course they need the talent to drive the cars as well.

M-Sport seem to only be talking about two cars - a bit of lunchtime googling suggests they'd like to keep Formeaux (assuming he doesn't go to Hyundai). The other drivers I found mentions of were Munster (as expected), Sesks (has driven the rally1 Puma already), Solberg and Rossel.

I haven't seen anything about any possible privateer entries - but with the hybrid cost/complexity removed could we see some extra Rally1 cars?

[flatlandsman]

You might get one or two, that Greek guy usually does a few events in a Puma still, and there might be one or two, but they will still cost a fortune to lease or buy with zero chance of a result, easier to have a top notch R5 and rally locally.

[ArnageWRC]

I'm not sure much will change - and the WRC will remain the weakest of the major motorsport series.

Lots of things need to change, but seem unlikely to do so.