Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled 52nd WRC season as the 2024 calendar promises thrills and challenges with a mix of iconic races and new additions. The much-anticipated season kicks off with the Monte-Carlo Rally in Gap, France, on January 25-28, setting the stage for a gripping championship.
Among the highlights is the return of Safari Rally Kenya to the top three, Rally Latvia making its debut, and the revival of Rally Poland. The FIA World Motor Sport Council, in its meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, approved the 13-event calendar spread across four continents from January to November.
Diversity is the name of the game, with four tarmac, one snow, and eight dirt events testing drivers and teams in various conditions. This variety ensures the spectacle and global appeal of WRC remain intact.
Notably, three rounds take place outside Europe – Chile, Japan, and Kenya – with strategic scheduling to transport cars and equipment by sea, aligning with the championship’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The iconic Monte-Carlo Rally retains its traditional role as the season opener, embracing wintry challenges on mountain roads. Rally Sweden (15-18 February) showcases high-speed action on snow and ice-covered roads in Umeå, while Kenya’s Safari Rally takes the dirt challenge from March 27-31, coinciding with Easter weekend.
Returning to Europe, Rally Croatia’s asphalt challenge (18-21 April) precedes consecutive dirt races in Portugal (9-12 May) and Sardinia (30 May-2 June). The Rally of Poland, part of the inaugural WRC calendar, returns on June 27-30 with dirt stages in the Masuria Lake District.
Fast-paced dirt stages continue in Rally Latvia (18-21 July), marking its WRC debut. The Rally of Finland in Jyväskylä (1-4 August) and the historic Acropolis Rally Greece (5-8 September) follow, offering legendary status and critical points for winning teams.
Rally Chile Biobío returns from September 26-29, promising fast and technical gravel stages in Concepción. A new addition, the Central European Rally (31 Oct-3 Nov), closes in on the penultimate round, featuring asphalt stages in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
The season reaches its climax with the Rally of Japan (21-24 November) for the third consecutive year. Once a dirt event, it now offers an asphalt-only route on Honshu, Japan’s main island, based in Toyota City.
All 13 events are eligible for various championships, including FIA WRC2, FIA WRC2 Challenger, FIA WRC3, and the FIA WRC Masters Cup. Competitors can build their calendars with the maximum allowed rounds for their category. The 2024 FIA WRC Junior Championship calendar will be unveiled later, promising more excitement and competition for rally enthusiasts worldwide.
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