2023 World Rally Championship

Eamonn Kelly / Conor Mohan 2023 JWRC Livery

Posted: January 30, 2023 11:29 AM

M-SPORT FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM LAUNCHES RE-ENERGISED LIVERY FOR 2023

Posted: January 17, 2023 5:43 AM

M-Sport Ford World Rally Team enters the new season with a bold new look as it launches into action on Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Inspired by synthwave music, and maintaining its electrified look as a nod to the hybrid era, 2023’s livery features neon bolts of vibrant pink and electric blue across a canvas of the iconic Ford blue. The team takes the success of 2022’s stunning livery and takes it one step further, hoping to make an impact in both colour and performance in 2023. The striking new design takes to the stages for the first time in Monte-Carlo in the hands of Ott Tänak and Pierre-Louis Loubet.

M-Sport launches its new livery with a video following the bare carbon-fibre panelled car through the hands of its designer as he applies the wrap, eventually revealing the bold and dramatic new colours.

Ford branding remains prominent on the car in the central bonnet location, while the iconic Red Bull remains a key feature of both Tänak and Loubet’s cars. Red Bull’s extended sponsorship now covers both drivers, who will be donning their new caps as official Red Bull athletes in 2023.

Jourdan Serderidis, driving M-Sport’s third Rally1 car in Monte, shares the vivid look as the cars line-up with the same eye-catching colours.

Hyundai Motorsport strengthens operations with Team Principal appointment

Posted: January 17, 2023 5:39 AM

Hyundai Motorsport has strengthened its operations with the appointment of Cyril Abiteboul in the role of Team Principal, which will see the Frenchman assume responsibility for the company’s FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and Customer Racing programs.

The 45-year-old will join the Alzenau-based squad on a full-time basis as the company seeks to continue its impressive momentum from recent months.

Hyundai Motorsport secured its highest number of wins in a single WRC season under the tenure of Deputy Team Director Julien Moncet, who will take on a new role, related to Hyundai Motorsport’s future technology.

Abiteboul’s arrival at Hyundai Motorsport will allow the team to explore new areas for improvement in its tenth season in WRC, in which it hopes to mount a more sustained fight for the championship titles. He brings to the company 15 years of motorsport experience from Team Principal and executive management roles at Renault and Caterham.

Hyundai Motorsport President Sean Kim said:
“I am pleased to welcome Cyril Abiteboul into the Hyundai family. Cyril’s experience in Formula One will help us to explore new opportunities for growth and improvements as we look to mount a more intensive fight for titles in WRC and to support our Customer Racing teams. We will deliberately give him time to settle in, discover the environment and, in time, to make the Team Principal role his own. I would like to extend my thanks to Julien Moncet, who took on the deputy role last season with determination. Under his guidance, we secured five victories and built strong momentum in the second part of the year. I have no doubt that Hyundai Motorsport’s technical personnel, along with Cyril, will demonstrate stronger and clearer leadership in the future by co-operating closely with the Global R&D of Hyundai Motor Company.”

Vice President and Head of N Brand Management & Motorsport Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Company, Till Wartenberg said:
“Our ambition has always been for motorsport to act as a halo for the entire Hyundai brand. To deliver against our winning objectives, we need to be constantly on top of our game, bringing together the right blend of people and experience. We are delighted to have someone of Cyril Abiteboul’s calibre joining Hyundai Motorsport. He will bring a fresh perspective to the business from his time in Formula One, which we are sure will add value in all areas. We already have a talented team of individuals at Alzenau, and we are sure this appointment will only amplify the excellent work that is taking place.”

Cyril Abiteboul said:
“I am relishing the opportunity to join Hyundai Motorsport as Team Principal from 2023. In motorsport, like in the rest of their activities, the Hyundai brand is cautiously building its leadership. I am excited at the prospect of being part of it, managing the WRC and Customer Racing programs, where the team has already proven to be strong competitors. I am looking forward to immersing myself into the rallying community and discovering more about this spectacular sport. Hyundai has given me its full support to make the transition into this role a smooth one. I can’t wait to get started.”

McErlean’s WRC campaign boosted by far-reaching support

Posted: January 17, 2023 5:34 AM

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean will head into his FIA World Rally Championship WRC2 campaign in 2023 with an impressive list of supporters, as local and global brands rally around to support the progressive youngster this season.

McErlean, 23 years old from Kilrea, Co.Derry will once again pilot a PCRS Rallysport run Hyundai i20 N Rally2 and will kick-start his season with the legendary Monte-Carlo [19-21 January 2023].

Joining him on both the iconic Monaco based rally and throughout the season, McCormack Contracting Inc will back McErlean and co-driver John Rowan in 2023. Supporting the young driver since 2021, the firm are leaders in the construction services industry and are based in the United States. Thanks to Managing Director Enda McCormack, they have continued their support for the year ahead.

Highly regarded semi-trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers are another brand to return to the fold in their support of McErlean this season. Established in 1978, the firm has grown into the largest brand in its field and have strong links to his rallying career form their base in Antrim.

Co. Antrim based business Woodland will also join the WRC campaign trail. One of the leading manufacturers of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture, the firm have backed McErlean’s career in the early stages and return for his second WRC2 campaign.

Jefferson Professional Tools and Equipment are another welcome returnee for the season ahead. Spending over 18 years developing their range of specialist tools and equipment for a wide range of industries, the Kilrea based brand are highly regarded throughout the UK and Ireland.

Resuming their support for 2023, Fastener Connections re-join the squad. Originally established in the North of Ireland and Southern England, the firm now provides global coverage for fastener products such as nuts, bolts, rivets and much more.

New to the squad, HVAC Construction will join the team for the first time this season, providing vital backing to McErlean’s intense season in the most hotly contested series in the world.

“It’s a real privilege to have the support of these fantastic businesses as I head into my second season in the World Rally Championship” say McErlean.

“I’m honoured to have such great backing form the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and the support from these brands is a real boost for the season ahead. It’s invaluable to have them on board and it really does have an international feel to the team this year. We have a lot of hard work still ahead of us for the remainder of the season, but starting at Rallye Monte Carlo, an event I haven’t done before, I`ll be doing my very best to make them proud. It’s the start of a very incredible journey together and it’s great to have them by my side.”

ULTRA-COMPETITIVE FIELD ENTERED FOR 2023 FIA JUNIOR WRC CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted: January 17, 2023 5:25 AM

The 2023 FIA Junior WRC Championship has accepted nine entries for the season opening round on Rally Sweden representing a diverse selection of rallying’s next generation of superstars.

The nine crews looking to be the next star of the FIA World Rally Championship represent nine different countries across Europe, South America and Africa. This year’s entrants will be vying for the biggest prize in rallying; Four fully-funded WRC2 prize drives in an Ecoboost-powered M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, including 200 Pirelli tyres, free registration for WRC 2 in 2024 and a pre event test for each round.

The challenge ahead of 2023’s WRC youngsters is a five-round calendar starting on the snow and ice of Rally Sweden and goes on to sample every surface represented on the WRC calendar: snow, ice, asphalt and a variety of gravel surfaces.

With famous former drivers and champions including the likes of Sebastien Loeb, Sebastien Ogier, Dani Sordo, Elfyn Evans, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Sami Pajari, the following drivers are hoping to put their names in the history books:

William Creighton / Liam Regan
Creighton is heading into his third season of Junior WRC in 2023. His debut season saw him breakthrough to the international stage, with rapid improvement from battling for top-five times to ending the season with a host of Wolf Stage Win Points to his name. 2022 Saw Creighton continue to improve on his impressive form, claiming two podium positions and yet more Wolf Stage Win Points. For 2023 his sights are set firmly on event wins and challenging for the championship.

Gregoire Munster / Louis Louka
Gregoire Munster is a surprise entry to the 2023 FIA Junior WRC Championship, the Luxembourg-based driver claimed his maiden WRC2 event victory on Rally Japan in 2022. Munster will be one to watch and a driver most will be comparing themselves to thanks to his long list of experience and achievements in WRC2 and the European Rally Championship.

Tom Rensonnet / Loïc Dumont
Tom Rensonnet's journey into the world of rallying began with just a single 10 Euro note. From a complete novice with no rally experience, he’s now one of the up-and-coming stars competing in this year's FIA Junior WRC.

Laurent Pellier / Marine Pelamourgues
Laurent Pellier is a previous event winner in a Junior WRC thanks to a one-off entry to Tour de Corse in 2016. His career has taken many twists and turns since then, but he appears to be rebuilding himself after taking the 2022 Junior ERC title and a free ticket to the 2023 Junior WRC.

Eamonn Kelly / Conor Mohan
Eamonn Kelly is a following in the footsteps of his fellow compatriot William Creighton. The two drivers have both won the Junior British Rally Championship and Kelly heads to Junior WRC fresh off the back of his title success in the same fashion as Creighton in 2021. Proving himself on both gravel and asphalt, Kelly won the prestigious Billy Coleman Award, which is presented by Motorsport Ireland each year to a promising young driver.

Diego Dominguez / Rogelio Peñate
Diego Dominguez is the first Paraguayan and South American driver to enter Junior WRC since Fabrizio Zaldivar who last competed in the 2020 FIA Junior WRC Championship. Dominguez has already a taste the WRC in Rally3 machinery, with a highlight coming by way of a WRC3 category win on Acropolis Rally Greece, setting competitive times against the Junior WRC field.

Roberto Blach / Mauro Barreiro
Roberto Blach will make his Junior WRC debut on Rally Sweden, accompanied by 2019 Junior WRC Co-Driver’s Champion, Mauro Barreiro. The young Spaniard is a member of the 2023 Rallye Team Spain, the same team that 2019 champion Jan Solans was a member of. Blach’s experience is comprehensive in top-level front wheel drive machinery but limited to only Spain and Portugal. Rally Sweden will be Blach’s first event outside of his native Spain and also Portugal.

Hamza Anwar / Adnan Din
Hamza Anwar is one of Kenya’s latest promising young talents. He made his WRC debut on Safari Rally Kenya in 2021, steering his Fiesta Rally3 through one of the WRC’s most demanding rallies to second in the Rally3 category. Anwar has 29 rally starts to his name and will be experiencing European rallying for the first time.

Raul Hernandez / Rodrigo Sanjuan
Raul Hernandez is another Spanish hot shot, at the young age of just 21. Don’t let Hernandez’s age fool you though, the Spaniard has been competing on competitive stage rallies since he was 16 years old, on a variety of surfaces. Given his young age and relatively comprehensive experience, there are many eyes upon the promising talent, and he is being supported and advised by 2019 FIA Junior WRC Champion, Jan Solans.

Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager, said: “This number of entries for the start of the season in Junior WRC speaks volumes about the success and growing popularity of the championship and Fiesta Rally3. With the biggest prize package in rallying for the 2023 champion, FIA Junior WRC is the perfect steppingstone for any driver wishing to establish themselves in the FIA World Rally Championship. With our key partners, Pirelli and Wolf Lubricants all heavily engaged in rally activities throughout every level of the sport, FIA Junior WRC is the most accessible championship that gives a great introduction to all aspects of the WRC. We have a very impressive line-up of entries for the opening round of the season in Sweden. With so many new entries, I am really excited about the championship fight ahead of us this year and it is going to be exciting and unpredictable!”

Suninen and Zaldivar return to Hyundai Motorsport for WRC2 campaign in 2023

Posted: January 17, 2023 5:04 AM

As part of its continued commitments to developing up-and-coming rally talents, Hyundai Motorsport will enter the 2023 season of the FIA World Rally Championship 2 (WRC2) with a pair of Hyundai i20 N Rally2 cars.

Teemu Suninen and Fabrizio Zaldivar will compete under the Hyundai Motorsport N banner for a second consecutive season. The cars will be operated by French team 2C Compétition, which boasts previous experience of working with Hyundai Motorsport challengers in the WRC category.

Stability in the crew line-up offers the opportunity to demonstrate the full potential of the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 and mount a serious challenge for titles in what is set to be an incredibly competitive year in the category. After the drivers combined to finish only two points short of the teams’ championship in 2022 the squad will be looking to build upon Suninen and Zaldivar’s experience and knowledge of the car in a bid to consistently fight at the front throughout the season, which they are due to begin with Rally Sweden next month (February 9-12).

Suninen demonstrated the rally-winning capabilities of the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 with his victory at Rally de España, and secured two additional podium finishes in Estonia and Japan. His experience in 2022 proved invaluable in the development of the car during the season. The Finn will once again be joined by co-driver Mikko Markkula.

Suninen said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to Hyundai Motorsport for another season in WRC2. 2023 will be challenging, but we definitely have a lot of potential in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2. I’m confident we can win more rallies and be a serious contender for the title this year. We need to push ourselves and the car in order to be competing at the front in every event, but I can see everyone in the team is willing to do that to achieve the results we deserve. We know the car much better this year than last, so it’s exciting to think where we can take it.”

Zalvidar’s first season in WRC2 featured a steep learning curve, yet the Paraguayan showed promise and improvement during his outings in 2022, taking four top-ten finishes and two stage wins. Zaldivar is seeking to continue his progression alongside Italian co-driver Marcelo Der Ohannesian in the upcoming season.

Zaldivar said: “This season I hope to improve my results as well as continue the good practices we built as a team last year. I know the Hyundai i20 Rally2 very well now, which will help put us on the front foot as we start a new season. The gravel events are the ones that come more naturally to me, however I made some good progress on tarmac last year too. It will be interesting to start on snow this season, but it is a challenge I am looking forward to. I believe this season will be my best to date, and I’m really hoping for some standout results to help the team win the title.”

Customer Racing Manager Andrea Cisotti said: “Nurturing junior talent is an integral part of Hyundai Motorsport. Our participation in WRC2 has always been an important aspect of our activities and this year is no exception. We chose to put two experienced crews in our Hyundai i20 N Rally2 to push these rising stars even further. The category will be even more competitive this year, which is why continuity in our line-up will be crucial for the championship fight. Teemu and Fabrizio know the car well now, and have the motivation and ability to extract more performance from the car. Working closely with our Customer Racing department, they were able to develop the car and achieve some good results in 2022, and now the goal is to be frontrunners at every round. We believe they have a strong chance of winning our first WRC2 title and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve this season.”

MOTORSPORT IRELAND RALLY ACADEMY DRIVER WILLIAM CREIGHTON COMMITS TO FIA JUNIOR WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted: January 9, 2023 10:08 AM

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver William Creighton will tackle a third season of the prestigious FIA Junior WRC in 2023, with his sights set firmly on a top result.

Creighton, 25 from Moira in Co.Armagh has enjoyed a confidence-boosting two years in the top-level series, adapting quickly to the change to Rally3 machinery at the start of 2022, heralding the full-time switch to four-wheel drive.

After honing his skills in the Junior WRC in 2021, Creighton was able to deliver rally winning pace during his 2022 campaign, with several fastest times and podium results during the season.

With co-driver Liam Regan alongside, the progressive youngster will embark on the five-round series which enjoys a familiar look to the previous season, kicking off with Rally Sweden in February, and Creighton is eager to get his assault on the championship underway.
“It’s extremely exciting and a huge privilege to return to the Junior World Rally Championship in 2023,” he says.
“It's one of the most competitive motorsport series in the world and it offers the opportunity to go head-to-head with some of the fastest junior drivers at the moment. The whole season is always ultra-close and this year I`ll have the benefit of a full campaign in the Fiesta Rally3 behind me which should stand me in good stead for a top result this time around”.

Last year, Creighton got his campaign off to an impressive start, securing third place through the high snowbanks of Sweden. Fifth in Croatia and Estonia highlighted the tough nature of the series, but another podium came at Rally Greece, the final round of the season to see him finish fifth in the standings.

With just one new round this season, Rally Sardinia in June, Creighton is aiming to hit the ground running thanks to his time behind the wheel on the world tour. Non-championship outings in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in 2022 as part of his Junior British Rally Championship prize, and the upcoming Rallye Monte Carlo in the same machine will boost his competitive miles, ensuring his Rally Sweden preparations are as polished as possible.

He will be fighting for one of the most sought-after prizes in rallying which will see the winner of the Junior WRC secure four, fully funded prize drives in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2 coupled with a test programme, tyre package and free entries. Creighton is relishing the challenge ahead.

“Of course, the experience from the last two years will certainly be an advantage, I can't take anything for granted, it's still going to be the toughest season I`ve done so far. I can head into 2023 with real confidence but it's still going to be a huge challenge. I have been working very hard with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy to prepare for what is to come and it’s a real honour to have their support and represent them on the world’s stage once again this season.”

You can follow William's progress throughout his career by following him on his social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok

Eamonn Kelly / Conor Mohan to take part in JWRC

Posted: January 6, 2023 11:08 AM

TÄNAK'S TIDAL WAVE RETURN TO M-SPORT FOR 2023 WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP ASSAULT

Posted: December 26, 2022 11:18 AM

M-Sport Ford World Rally Team is thrilled to announce that Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja, 2019 FIA World Rally Champions, will spearhead the team’s 2023 WRC campaign.

Tänak returns to M-Sport as a World Rally Champion, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise with him that will drive and inspire the team to aim for the ultimate goal of winning the 2023 Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ World Rally Championships.

M-Sport is the birthplace of Tänak’s WRC career. In 2011 the Estonian made his debut in a WRC support category in M-Sport machinery, claiming his maiden WRC podium with the team only 12 months later.

2016 saw Tänak come to form, narrowly missing out on a maiden victory when a stunning display of speed was cut short by a puncture on the penultimate stage of Rally Poland. The following season finally saw the Estonian’s rise to eminence; claiming his maiden WRC victory on Rally Italia Sardegna followed by a victory on the asphalt of Rallye Deutschland.

These results, along with a further five podiums that year, were a crucial component of M-Sport’s history-making FIA World Rally Championship Manufacturers’ title in 2017.

After making his mark with the team in 2017, Tänak parted ways with M-Sport and has since achieved one drivers’ world championship, 17 WRC victories, and 42 podiums.

Ott Tänak said:
"M-Sport is the place that raised me as a driver and the place that taught me all the hard lessons and experience to become a top level player in the World Rally Championship. Since becoming a world champion I have not been able to defend the title, and I will not be able to make peace with myself until I do!

I have had many discussions with Malcolm and we definitely share the same ambition for the upcoming season. It is going to be a big challenge for us, but I know the people at Dovenby Hall, I know what they are capable of and with their passion to give everything they have, we can challenge for the championship. I'm happy to be back at M-Sport Ford World Rally Team and we will give our everything next year!"

Malcolm Wilson OBE, Managing Director, said:
“It fills me with tremendous happiness and joy to see Ott back here with us at Dovenby Hall, I have followed his career closely since his junior days and I’m very proud to have been a part of his achievements in the last decade.

“He has been to Dovenby to view our facilities and test the Puma in Greystoke Forest. It is fair to say from Ott’s initial feedback that we are confident we can challenge for the world championship in 2023. Having Ott here for only a couple of days has highlighted to us the level needed to deliver rally-winning performances.”

Richard Millener, Team Principal, said:
“Seeing Ott back in M-Sport overalls will be a significant moment for everyone at Dovenby Hall. The aim for 2023 is clear for us and for Ott; to win the 2023 drivers’ championship. To achieve this goal together will require a lot of hard work and energy, but we are prepared and ready for this challenge. Having a driver like Ott on board is key to lifting the spirits and desires of the team to realise our full potential and push forward in 2023.

“We have gained a lot of experience with the Puma in 2022, we know the strengths of the car and are confident that Ott is the right person to drive it to get the results we know we deserve.”

Hyundai Motorsport reveals line-up for 2023 FIA World Rally Championship - Breen/Fulton to share third car with Dani Sordo

Posted: December 26, 2022 11:12 AM

Hyundai Motorsport has revealed a four-crew, three-car line-up for the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), with new and returning faces contesting the company’s tenth season in rallying’s top echelon.

Joining the already confirmed Thierry Neuville for a complete season will be Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi. The 2017 Rally Finland winner has claimed three podiums in a part-time 2022 campaign, finishing third on snow in Sweden, on gravel in Finland and on tarmac in Ypres.

A third Hyundai i20 N Rally1 will be shared between the highly experienced Spaniard Dani Sordo and Irishman Craig Breen.

Sordo has been with Hyundai Motorsport since the company’s inaugural season in the WRC and has played an integral part in its growth and development. Breen, meanwhile, formerly drove for the team between 2019-2021, taking four podium finishes.

Hyundai Motorsport President Sean Kim said:
“Experience has been the number one priority for our 2023 WRC line-up. With Thierry, Esapekka, Dani and Craig, we have a strong combination of drivers who can lead us into a new season. We ended the 2022 championship with a 1-2 result in Rally Japan but next year we will face fresh competition from our rivals. We fully expect the experience and talent of our crews to help us perform at the highest level in all events.”

Deputy Team Director Julien Moncet said:
“We are pleased to confirm our complete driver line-up for the 2023 WRC season with a three-car line-up and four experienced crews. With Thierry, we know his performance potential and his appetite to fight for the drivers’ title. With Esapekka joining the team on a full-time campaign, we have a driver line-up that can compete for the top positions at all events and on all surfaces. Esapekka also has the required experience to help us develop our Hyundai i20 N Rally1, which will be fundamental throughout the season. Sharing the third car, we have Dani – who is the perfect team-player and a trusted pair of hands; he has taken five podiums in his past six events, which says it all. Craig returns to the team fully motivated and secures an enviably talented line-up to support Thierry and Esapekka. With these four crews, we have a competitive and experienced combination of talent, which will underpin the teamwork ethos and mentality within our entire organisation.”

Thierry Neuville said:
“We can look towards the 2023 season in high spirits and with enhanced motivation, knowing we have a strong and experienced crew line-up. Esapekka will be a great addition to our team, and I am sure he will bring an important perspective to our operation. It’s also nice to have Craig back, sharing a third car with Dani. It’s a good combination of familiar faces and new blood that I am sure will give us fresh impetus as we embark on a new campaign. The team ethic is a really important value at Hyundai Motorsport, with all members of the company contributing to our goals; with our crew line-up confirmed, we are now in good shape as we look towards a new championship year.” Esapekka Lappi said:
“Life is full of surprises! Getting a chance to join Hyundai Motorsport and to drive a full-calendar WRC program was something we didn’t expect. This is truly a dream and a unique opportunity; we are very happy to join the Hyundai Motorsport family. The team showed during the 2022 season that it is capable of developing the car a lot during the season and has chances to win on every surface. From what I've heard already, 2023 looks very promising. We are well aware that there is a lot of work to do, but with Janne, I am committed to it. I believe we have a lot to give to the whole team. I want to thank Hyundai Motorsport for demonstrating their trust in us; we will do everything we can to be successful and to achieve our common goals.”

Dani Sordo said:
“The decision to sign again with Hyundai Motorsport was a clear and easy one for me; over ten years they have become a family. This is my team and where I belong. They have offered me another season in which I can share the third car with another crew, which suits my personal preferences. I am motivated to support the team and the other crews as much as I can.”

Craig Breen said:
“Joining Hyundai Motorsport for the 2023 WRC season feels like a homecoming for me. We have secured some very memorable results together in the past, including several runner-up results, so hopefully I will be able to take that a step further. I have followed the team’s progress and development with interest this season, and I can see the momentum that has been building. Having the backing of a manufacturer team like Hyundai is special, and I’m sure we’ll have plenty more reasons to celebrate next season.”

M-SPORT AND BREEN PART WAYS

Posted: December 26, 2022 11:11 AM

M-Sport Ford World Rally Team will end their contractual agreement with Craig Breen a year early following an amicable decision to part ways at the end of 2022.

Breen had been chosen to lead the team following a string of promising performances that M-Sport felt warranted a full-time drive, and the Cumbrian squad had high hopes of securing a first FIA World Rally Championship victory for the Irishman.

Two podiums and stage-winning performances on snow, gravel and asphalt that culminated with a Power Stage victory on his final outing with the Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 proved that the potential was there, but a lack of consistency prevented the deserved results, and a decision was taken to part ways as the team seek a new team leader.

Breen spent much of his early career with M-Sport – winning the FIA WRC Academy in 2011 before progressing to secure the S-WRC crown with the Fiesta S2000 in 2012 and making his world rally car debut with the Ford Fiesta RS WRC in 2014.

The Irishman exemplifies the paths and opportunities available to young drivers through M-Sport’s Ladder of Opportunity, and the team wish him and new co-driver James Fulton the very best of luck for the future.

Richard Millener, M-Sport Ford Team Principal, said:
“It’s been a pleasure working with Craig, and I was personally very happy to get him and Paul [Nagle] in the team this year after a lot of hard work making it happen. I think we all knew the potential that was there, and I’ll always remember a lot of highs from the year – not least the double podium he secured for the team alongside Sébastien Loeb at the start of the year. Unfortunately, though, sometimes things just don’t quite click, and this is the reality of the situation we face.

“Craig is a very talented driver and I have no doubt that he has more yet to achieve in his career, but the team feel we need a new approach for 2023. We wish Craig and James the very best of luck for the future, and we now turn our attentions towards next season and securing a competitive line-up for the Puma Hybrid Rally1.”

Malcolm Wilson OBE, M-Sport Managing Director, said:
“I want to thank Craig for his year with the team. He delivered some solid results throughout the season with two podiums and stage-winning performances on a variety of surfaces, but unfortunately the consistency wasn’t there to lead the team into 2023.

“I want nothing but success for those who have progressed through our Ladder of Opportunity, and Craig has been a perfect example of that. After making his WRC debut in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy he went on to secure both the FIA WRC Academy and S2000 Championship crown before making his world rally car debut – all behind the wheel of a Fiesta.

“I am proud of the role M-Sport have had in making him the driver he is today, and we had hoped to see him secure his first WRC victory with a Ford too. Sadly, that wasn’t to be, but I wish him every success and all the very best for the future.”

Craig Breen, said:
“I want to extend a big thank you to M-Sport and the whole team for everything they’ve done for me this year. It has been an important season as my first full-time drive and to complete that in a Puma has been fantastic.

“There have been a lot of fun times and laughs together on this albeit, short journey. M-Sport has a real family feel and it will be sad to leave that behind. It has been a great experience for me to be part of the team, but ultimately, it’s time to move on. I’m looking forward to the future and continuing to build my partnership with James. I wish the team all the best for next season.”

FIA Junior WRC Championship - EXCITING 2023 CALENDAR REVEALED

Posted: December 26, 2022 11:06 AM

The 2023 FIA Junior WRC Championship calendar has been officially approved and will see the FIA Junior WRC embark upon an exciting adventure across three different surfaces. The calendar has been designed to provide the next generation of FIA World Rally Championship drivers with essential experience on all surfaces represented on the WRC calendar: snow, ice, Tarmac and a variety of gravel surfaces.

The Junior WRC’s unrivalled prize package, which is regarded as ‘the biggest prize package in rallying’, remains for the 2023 FIA Junior WRC Champion which will see them win four fully-funded Ford Fiesta Rally2 prize drives with M-Sport, including a pre-event test and a full allocation of Pirelli tyres. The prize is integral to allowing the best of the next generation showcase their talent on the international stage with the FIA Junior WRC acting as an exciting talent selection process.

The calendar provides a thorough test to see which driver will have what it takes to seize championship glory and join the likes of WRC superstars Sébastien Loeb, Dani Sordo, Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, Craig Breen and Pierre-Louis Loubet.

1. Rally Sweden 09 – 12 February
The rally has regularly played host to the launch of the Junior WRC since 2018, making it one of the most hotly anticipated rounds of the season. The rally moved further north in 2022, basing itself out of the town of Umeå, and featured a jaw-dropping fight for victory between Jon Armstrong and Lauri Joona. The rally is comprised of picturesque wintery lakeside roads and is the only round of the series which takes place purely on snow. But make no mistake: snow and ice doesn’t mean the drivers will be tiptoeing around. With studded Pirelli Sottozero Ice tyres fitted to every M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3, it’s one of the fastest rallies of the year for the Junior WRC crews.

2. Rally Croatia 20 – 23 April
Croatia Rally was a brand-new all-asphalt addition to the WRC in 2021and hosted the Junior WRC’s curtain-raiser in that year. The rally quickly became a favourite for all involved, offering stage characteristics never before seen in the World Rally Championship and providing crews with a tough and testing challenge. Croatia’s stages feature characteristic that are commonly found on fast gravel events such as fast corners sweeping over treacherous blind crests, requiring supreme confidence and total commitment. Due to the high speeds and technical nature, crews must analyse every detail of their pace notes.

3 Rally Italia Sardegna 01 – 04 June
Rally Italia Sardegna makes its return to the FIA Junior WRC after a three-year hiatus. The home event of longstanding Junior WRC partner Pirelli, Italy [TM1] represents the first of three gravel events in 2023. Crews will face fast but narrow stages with loose gravel which is a continuously developing surface as the soft and sandy top layer covers hard and immovable bedrock. Crews can experience sweltering heat inside the Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars, with no air conditioning and temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees centigrade.

4 Rally Estonia 20 – 23 July
Rally Estonia made its WRC debut in 2020 and has been a firm and universal favourite since with WRC fans and teams alike. The Junior WRC has witnessed some epic battles in the three editions of the event with history being made in 2022 as Robert Virves claimed 17 stage wins on the rally, breaking Sebastien Ogier’s 14-year record of 16. Rally Estonia will be a very different gravel round compared to Italy, and tests crews further by calling upon a completely unique skillset to master Estonia’s sweeping corners and jumps.

5 EKO Acropolis Rally Greece 07 – 10 September
EKO Acropolis Rally Greece made its return to the Junior WRC in 2022 for the double points-paying season finale. The rally offered many challenges and obstacles for crews to overcome, including surviving a mammoth 100km day of rallying on Friday without a midday service. Temperatures tested every driver’s fitness and concentration levels with ambient air temperatures exceeding 30 degrees centigrade. Despite its rough and punishing nature, the fight for the championship raged between Jon Armstrong and Robert Virves, going to the wire on the last stage of the rally as Virves became the Junior WRC’s first-ever Estonian champion.

Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager, said:
“Junior WRC prides itself on delivering an evenly spaced, balanced calendar that represents the core DNA of the FIA World Rally Championship. All five of the events we are going to offer something different and because of that are fan favourites. I think each round will require a different approach and skillset which is very important for us to rigorously test all of our drivers and find out who really has got what it takes to be a future star of the WRC. The objective is for our 2023 crews to also experience as many different elements of the WRC as possible, giving them the perfect introduction to the world stage whilst whetting their appetites for future outings and successes. The exciting calendar is complemented as the perfect introduction to WRC competition with crews competing in the four-wheel drive Fiesta Rally3, which is the car of choice for starting out in the WRC.”

WRC powers into 2023 with exciting new-look calendar

Posted: December 26, 2022 11:00 AM

All-new three-country concept and return to North and South America are major highlights of the 13-round calendar.

An all-new three-country concept and the return to North and South America are major highlights of the 13-round 2023 FIA World Rally Championship calendar.

In an exciting innovation, the WRC will feature a round which takes place across three countries when Austria, Czech Republic and Germany host the Central European Rally from 26 - 29 October. The asphalt rally will be based out of the south-east German city of Passau.

Running from January to November, the 2023 calendar features a number of regular stops, along with the return of Mexico and Chile for the first time since Covid-19.

“We were absolutely determined to get the WRC calendar back to where it was pre-Covid, with a good spread of events inside and outside Europe," expressed WRC Promoter Senior Director of Events, Simon Larkin.

He continued: "There was very high demand for the limited number of slots on the calendar, but we’re pleased with the range and variety of events we have.

"They will provide a great sporting challenge for the competitors, as well as providing the highest-profile events in each country.”

His thoughts were echoed by WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel.

“We are incredibly happy to be returning to North and South America,” enthused Siebel. “We have maintained a dialogue with the Mexican and Chilean organisers throughout the Covid pandemic and we are confident this is now the right time for our return.

“Additionally, with an exciting new concept added to the mix, the WRC is well-placed to reach more fans than ever before.”

Beginning with the traditional season opener in Monte-Carlo from 19 - 22 January, the snow and ice of Sweden (9 - 12 February) await drivers for the second stop as the championship returns to Umeå following a successful debut of the new-look winter rally in 2022.

The first long-haul journey of the year takes the championship to Rally Guanajuato México from 16 - 19 March before a return to Europe for the first all-asphalt event of the year, Croatia Rally, from 20 - 23 April. The Croatian fixture now enters its third edition and will once again be based out of the country’s capital Zagreb.

The middle of the year reflects the 2022 calendar with Vodafone Rally de Portugal (11 - 14 May), Rally Italia Sardegna (1 - 4 June), Safari Rally Kenya (22 – 25 June), Rally Estonia (20 - 23 July), Secto Rally Finland (3 - 6 August) and EKO Acropolis Rally Greece (7 - 10 September) returning with a similar look and feel.

As the season begins to build towards its climax, South America awaits as the WRC goes back to Concepción, Chile for the first time since it debuted in 2019. The gravel event will run from 28 September - 1 October.

At the end of October, Austria, Czech Republic and Germany play host to Central Europe Rally ahead of FORUM8 Rally Japan - which is back hosting the season finale from 16 - 19 November.

Championship Rounds

Posted: December 26, 2022 10:59 AM

1. Monte Carlo (WRC) - 19-22 Jan 23
2. Sweden (WRC) J - 9-12 Feb 23
3. Mexico - 16-19 Mar 23
4. Croatia (WRC) J - 20-23 Apr 23
5. Portugal (WRC) - 11-14 May 23
6. Italy (WRC) J - 1-4 Jun 23
7. Kenya Safari Rally (WRC) - 23-25 Jun 23
8. Estonia (WRC) J - 20-23 Jul 23
9. Finland (WRC) - 3-6 Aug 23
10. Greece (WRC) J - 7-10 Sep 23
11. Chile (WRC) - 28 Sep-1 Oct 23
12. Central European Rally (WRC) - 26-29 Oct 23
13. Japan (WRC) - 16-19 Nov 23

www.wrc.com