The 2022 WRC season starts on January 20 with the traditional Monte Carlo rally. The argus takes stock of the teams involved and their crews as well as the calendar and the new regulations. Now cars are plug-in hybrids!
The fiftieth season of WRC is already shaping up to be thrilling. After Formula 1 in 2014, it’s rallying’s turn to enter a new era… that of plug-in hybrids! The crews and their mount will have 13 rounds to decide. With the departure of Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, vice-champion with Toyota in 2021, hopes to win the title unless Thierry Neuville, the eternal second (He has been 5 times in 12 seasons), does not grab it. The only condition: succeed in dealing with new super-powerful cars!
Up to 520 hp!
Big change in the queen category, now called Rally1. If the cars are still equipped with the 1.6 thermal block developing 380 hp, in place since 2011, it is now supported by a 135 hp (100 kW) electric motor. The total power now peaks at 520 hp! To collect the excess power, the structure of the cars has been reinforced. A light signal has been added to prevent potential risks of electrocution due to high-voltage cables. Another novelty: the fuel used is now made up of synthetic hydrocarbons and biofuels. It should be noted that certain link sectors will have to be carried out in 100% electric mode. However, in Monte-Carlo, only 3.66 kilometers will be traveled with this energy, i.e. 0.3% of the 1,215 km of connection…
The teams involved in the WRC
Three teams and nine cars are entered in the Rally1 category for this 2022 season.
Toyota (GR Yaris Rally1)
After a final start at the Monte-Carlo rally, eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier will leave the Japanese team. Elfyn Evans, vice-champion 2021 – who became the youngest winner in WRC history last year – has all the cards in hand to claim the world crown. As for the Toyota team, it puts its title in play after winning the bet 4 times (2014, 2019, 2020, 2021). Note the arrival in the Japanese team of the Finnish Esapekka Lappi.
- Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin
- Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen
- Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm
- Sébastien Ogier and Benjamin Veillas (for one race)
- Takamoto Katsuta and Dan Barritt (unofficial Team NG car)
Hyundai (i20N Rally1)
At Hyundai, the wait for a driver’s title is still pending. Thierry Neuville has already shared his impressions of the new car and said he was excited about the new challenges to be met with the arrival of the new regulations. On the other hand, the Belgian driver regrets the short time devoted to getting to grips with the i20 N. Oliver Solberg, son of Petter, joined the Korean team as a freelancer in place of Craig Breen who left for Ford M-Sport.
- Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe
- Ott Tanak and Martin Jarveoja
- Dani Sordo and Candido Carrera
- Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson
M-Sport (Ford Puma Rally1)
For 2022, M-Sport has decided to swap its good old Ford Fiesta for a Puma SUV with electrifying colors. It will be necessary to follow closely the French Adrien Fourmaux who will complete his first full season in the queen category after a stint in WRC2. The British team also welcomes a legend for the Monte-Carlo rally only: Sébastien Loeb. Craig Breen (ex-Hyundai), replaces Gus Greensmith.
- Craig Breen and Paul Nagle
- Gus Greensmith and Jonas Andersson
- Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria
- Sebastien Loeb and Isabelle Galmiche
WRC2
The antechamber of the WRC promises to be a spectacle this year. The WRC2 will be able to count on two French drivers in particular: Yohan Rossel, WRC3 champion in 2021 and Eric Camilli. They will both drive a Citroën C3 Rally2 prepared respectively by PH Sport and Saintéloc Racing. For its part, the M-Sport team – which must also compete in the WRC2 – could announce its crews after Monte-Carlo. The team preferred to devote itself fully to the premier category for the final preparations for the first event of the season.
WRC3
The WRC3 also changes regulations and now only welcomes Rally3 cars. The power has been modified from 200 to 235 hp thanks to a larger flange. Yohan Rossel having moved to the next category, the only remaining French drivers are Nicolas Ciamin and Yoann Bonato.
2022 WRC calendar
This 2022 season has 13 rounds, the ninth of which has yet to be defined (August 18 to 21). The championship begins with the traditional Monte-Carlo rally from January 20 to 23 and will end the rally of Japan (November 10 to 13). The first round promises to be rich in entertainment with a duel at the top between our two French champions: Sébastien Ogier, 8 times winner of the Monte-Carlo, and Sébastien Loeb, who has a total of 7 victories to his credit in the event.
| Events | dates |
| Monte Carlo | January 20-23 |
| Sweden | February 24-27 |
| Croatia | April 21-24 |
| Portugal | May 19-22 |
| Italy | June 2-5 |
| Kenya | June 23-26 |
| Estonia | July 14-17 |
| Finland | August 4-7 |
| To confirm | August 18-21 |
| Greece | September 8-11 |
| New Zealand | Sept 29-October 2 |
| Spain | October 20-23 |
| Japan | November 10-13 |
How to follow the WRC?
In France, Canal + broadcasts the WRC world championship on its antennas. The channel has signed an agreement to broadcast the discipline until 2030. It has already been broadcasting it exclusively since 2019.
