The WRC was established in 1973 by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), making it one of the longest-running motorsport competitions.1)
The WRC is a global series, featuring rallies on every continent except Antarctica, taking place in diverse locations like forests, mountains, deserts, and city streets.2)
WRC cars race on a wide range of surfaces, including gravel, asphalt, snow, and ice, testing the drivers' ability to adapt.3)
Rally events consist of timed “special stages” on closed roads, with the fastest times determining the overall winner.4)
Every WRC driver has a co-driver who reads out “pace notes,” which describe the upcoming road in extreme detail, guiding the driver at high speeds.5)
The Group B cars of the 1980s are legendary for their extreme power and lightweight design, leading to some of the fastest, and most dangerous, rallying ever.6)
Group B was banned in 1987 after several fatal accidents, leading to the introduction of safer regulations in rally car design.7)
WRC cars today are highly modified versions of road cars, equipped with advanced 4WD systems and turbocharged engines.8)
One of the sport's most iconic drivers, Scotland’s Colin McRae became the youngest-ever world champion at age 27 in 1995, driving for Subaru.9)
Sébastien Loeb holds the record for the most WRC titles, winning nine consecutive championships from 2004 to 2012.10)
Another French rally legend, Sébastien Ogier, has won eight world championships as of 2023, making him the second-most successful driver in WRC history.11)
Teams like Subaru, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, and Citroën have battled for the top spot over the years, with Citroën having dominated the sport during the Loeb era.12)
Known for its high-speed gravel roads and big jumps, Rally Finland is one of the most popular and challenging events on the WRC calendar.13)
The Monte Carlo Rally, which dates back to 1911, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious events in WRC, famous for its unpredictable weather.14)
The 1974 Safari Rally, which took place in Kenya, was the longest event in WRC history, covering over 5,000 kilometers.15)
Some rallies feature “night stages,” where drivers race in the dark with only their headlights to guide them.16)
The last stage of each rally is known as the “Power Stage,” where extra championship points are awarded to the fastest drivers.17)
WRC cars can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph) on gravel or dirt roads, depending on the stage.18)
These are support series for drivers and teams using less powerful cars, offering a stepping stone to the top-level WRC.19)
The WRC has seen champions from countries like France, Finland, Sweden, the UK, Spain, and more.20)
Finnish drivers have won the WRC Drivers' Championship 14 times, earning Finland the nickname “the land of rally drivers.”21)
In addition to the drivers' title, there is a manufacturers' championship, where carmakers compete for top honors.22)
Some of the most iconic cars in rally history include the Lancia Stratos, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Audi Quattro, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.23)
Modern WRC cars use small, turbocharged 1.6-liter engines, producing over 380 horsepower.24)
4WD technology became widespread in WRC during the 1980s, offering better traction on loose surfaces.25)
Starting in 2022, WRC introduced hybrid powertrains, combining electric motors with internal combustion engines to make the cars faster and more environmentally friendly.26)
While most WRC drivers are part of factory teams, some compete as privateers, using their own resources and smaller teams.27)
Rallying is unique in that weather can change dramatically during an event, from dry roads to torrential rain or snow within a few hours.28)
Between stages, cars are repaired and adjusted by teams in service parks, often with limited time and under strict rules.29)
WRC attracts millions of spectators annually, both at the events and through global TV broadcasts.30)
While not part of the WRC, some rally drivers have also competed in the Dakar Rally, a long-distance off-road endurance event.31)
Citroën holds the record for the most manufacturers’ titles with eight championships.32)
Despite being fellow countrymen, Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb have had a fierce rivalry, with both dominating the sport in different eras.33)
WRC pioneered the use of in-car cameras, giving fans a first-person view of the action.34)
The longest jump in WRC was made by Norwegian driver Mads Østberg, who flew over 44 meters during Rally Finland.35)
WRC cars are fitted with advanced safety systems like roll cages, fire suppression systems, and HANS devices (Head and Neck Support) to protect drivers.36)
American driver and YouTube sensation Ken Block helped bring rallying to a new audience with his “Gymkhana” videos, though he never competed full-time in WRC.37)
In 2023, the WRC celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of thrilling motorsport action.38)
WRC has embraced the digital world with official WRC video games and esports competitions, drawing in new fans.39)
Women like Michèle Mouton have made history in WRC. Mouton is the only woman to win a WRC event, with her victory coming in 1981.40)
WRC drivers must be incredibly fit to endure the physical demands of racing for hours on end through rough terrain, often in extreme temperatures.41)
WRC cars regularly sustain damage during rallies, with broken suspensions, smashed bodywork, and punctured tires being common challenges.42)
As of 2024, Latvala is the team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT and the youngest team manager in WRC history, after a long career as a driver.43)
The WRC calendar typically features around 13 to 15 events each season, although this number has varied over the years.44)
Known for its tough gravel roads, Rally Portugal is one of the most grueling events on the WRC calendar.45)
The hybrid cars introduced in 2022 have made the WRC more environmentally conscious, reducing the carbon footprint of the cars.46)
Teams often employ meteorologists to help predict weather conditions during a rally, especially in unpredictable climates.47)
During snow rallies like Sweden, WRC cars use special tires with hundreds of metal studs to grip the icy surfaces.48)
Helicopter footage is often used during WRC broadcasts to capture the cars from above as they race through forests and mountains.49)
The Safari Rally in Kenya made a comeback to the WRC calendar in 2021 after an absence of nearly two decades.50)
The Monte Carlo Rally has been a consistent part of the WRC calendar since the championship began in 1973.51)
Drivers and co-drivers use helmets equipped with intercom systems to communicate over the noise of the engines.52)
Traditionally one of the final events of the season, Rally GB is known for its wet and muddy conditions.53)
Nicknamed “The Rally of 10,000 Corners,” the Tour de Corse in France is famous for its extremely twisty mountain roads.54)
Known for its wildlife, dust, and tough conditions, the Safari Rally is considered one of the most iconic and challenging events in the WRC.55)
Former FIA President Jean Todt started his motorsport career as a co-driver in WRC, later managing Peugeot and Ferrari in other championships.56)
Although not part of the WRC, several rally drivers, including Loeb, have competed in the famous Pikes Peak hill climb.57)
WRC cars feature advanced launch control systems to get maximum acceleration off the starting line during stages.58)
WRC events are broadcast in over 150 countries, making it one of the most widely viewed motorsport series globally.59)
Due to high speeds and challenging terrain, strict spectator safety measures have been implemented in recent years to protect fans at events.60)