The World Rally Championship (WRC) is gearing up for an action-packed 2024 season with a calendar comprising 13 rounds across 15 countries on five different continents. This year's series promises a diverse blend of surfaces, including asphalt, gravel, and snow, running from January through November.
"The 2024 WRC Calendar exhibits a challenging and varied schedule, similar to the previous year," said a WRC spokesperson. The championship will commence with the iconic Rallye Monte Carlo, known for its difficult alpine stages and thrilling routes through the famous Col de Turini. Set to take place from January 25 to 28, this rally sets the tone for the season with its high stakes and demanding conditions.
Following Monte Carlo, the season will move to Rally Sweden from February 15 to 18. This event, unique as the championship’s only pure snow rally, is crucial for teams to showcase their winter driving skills on an ice-frosted terrain. The rally was relocated further north in 2021 to ensure more consistent snowfall, enhancing the competitiveness of the stages.
In a notable change, the Safari Rally Kenya will take a new slot in March from the dates formerly occupied by the Mexico rally. Running from March 28 to 31, this rally, infamous for its loose dirt and mud conditions, is set against breathtaking backdrops, emphasizing the beauty and toughness of the region.
"The Safari Rally Kenya is a quintessential rally for every driver, encapsulating the essence of rallying in a stunning environment," said a WRC team principal. This reverberates the sentiment of many teams eager to tackle the event's rugged terrains.
As the series progresses, the Croatia Rally will take place from April 18 to 21, marking the championship's first asphalt event characterized by a mix of well-maintained and severely broken roads. Drawing large crowds since its 2021 introduction, this rally has quickly become a favorite among fans and teams alike.
Next on the calendar is the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, running from May 9 to 12. Revered for its challenging and fast gravel roads, this rally features tricky corners concealed by crests, making it a true test of skill. Rally Italia Sardinia will follow, taking place from May 30 to June 2, where competitors will navigate narrow, sandy, and bumpy mountain roads.
The highlight of late June is the 80th running of the Orlen Rally Poland, from June 27 to 30. Transitioning from mostly asphalt stages, this rally promises high-speed gravel racing around the picturesque Masurian lake district. "We’re excited to celebrate the history of the event while introducing changes that enhance the competitive spirit," noted the event director.
The calendar then shifts to TET Rally Latvia from July 18 to 21. Initially established as a snow rally, it has evolved into a gravel event, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of the championship. Following this, the Secto Rally Finland from August 1 to 4 will showcase smooth, fast gravel roads, making it one of the most anticipated stops on the WRC circuit. "This rally is known for its incredible jumps and high speeds, attracting drivers to push the limits," remarked a veteran competitor.
The season will then venture to the Eco Acropolis Rally Greece from September 5 to 8, which is notorious for its challenging track and extreme heat, followed by Rally Chile Biobío from September 26 to 29. This will be the fifth time the event is run, offering thrilling gravel roads through the Biobío region and is important for accumulating championship points.
Completing the calendar is the new Central European Rally, which runs from October 31 to November 3 across three countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Bringing a unique twist, it will challenge drivers on sealed surfaces. Finally, the Forum 8 Rally Japan wraps up the season from November 21 to 24, marking the second consecutive year Japan will host this event.
Despite the excitement, the calendar does not include the Rally GB for the fifth consecutive year, marking a historical absence since its inception in the WRC. "We recognize the desire for this rally's return, but logistical challenges continue to pose difficulties," a WRC representative explained.
As teams prepare for an exhilarating season, the 2024 WRC calendar is set to spice up the championship with new challenges and returns of beloved events, promising drama and excitement across the globe.