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WRC 2025 season kicks off with the Monte Carlo Rally

New Points System and Tire Supplier, End of Hybrid Systems

Starting the next three seasons, South Korean company Hankook will be the official tire supplier for the World Rally Championship. Additionally, hybrid systems will no longer be used in the cars, and the points system will be updated.

The previous points system, used for just one season, was heavily criticized as it did not award points based on the final standings, reducing the significance of winning rallies compared to previous years. Under the new system, the top ten rally finishers will receive points as follows: 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. Bonus points will be awarded to the five fastest drivers on the final day and the five fastest in the Power Stage. This adjustment increases the maximum points possible from a single rally from 30 to 35 points.

2025 Season: 14 Stages to Determine the World Champion

The 2025 calendar will expand to 14 stages, up from 13 in 2024, with five events outside Europe. A highlight for Estonian rally fans will be the 8th stage, taking place in Estonia during the 15th Rally Estonia. This jubilee event will run from July 17–20, on the roads of Tartu and South Estonia. Rally Estonia aims to attract fans of all ages, reinforcing Estonia’s status as a rally nation.

Three exciting new stages will debut this season:

• Canary Islands Rally (April 24–27): An asphalt rally that replaces Croatia’s round and previously featured in the ERC series.
• Paraguay Rally (August 28–31): A gravel rally, marking Paraguay’s debut in the WRC.
• Saudi Arabia Rally (November 27–30): An asphalt rally that will conclude the 2025 season.

Title Contenders: Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport

Leading teams Toyota and Hyundai retain their core lineups, setting the stage for a thrilling championship battle:

• Toyota: Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä will compete in the full season, making him a top title contender. He is joined by Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, and part-time driver Sébastien Ogier. Additionally, WRC2 world champion Sami Pajari will debut in a full season with Toyota.
• Hyundai: World champions Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak continue for the full season, with Adrien Fourmaux joining as the third driver after competing with M-Sport last season.
• M-Sport: Drivers Grégoiré Munster and Josh McErlean will tackle the full season. While not considered title favorites, they are expected to deliver surprising moments.

Season Opener: Monte Carlo

The season kicks off in Monte Carlo from January 23–26. Seventy teams are registered for the opening rally, which includes 18 stages and covers 343.8 kilometers of competitive distance.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool