In a stunning announcement, Toyota Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala will put his leadership duties on hold to compete in the 2023 Rally Finland, marking his first-ever outing in a Rally1 machine. This one-off appearance will provide the Finnish rally legend an opportunity to experience the latest WRC cars in competition, a desire he has expressed for some time.
Browsing: WRC 2023
In a surprise move, Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT has announced that Finnish rally driver Teemu Suninen will join their team to drive the third Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car at the upcoming Rally Estonia and Rally Finland events. Suninen, accompanied by co-driver Mikko Markkula, will be part of Hyundai’s Driver Development Programme as they look to contribute to the car’s development alongside the Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
In a move to elevate the World Rally Championship’s (WRC) television coverage, Italian helmet supplier Stilo has created a helmet camera system, similar to those used in Formula 1, to provide a raw driver’s-eye view of the action. This innovative technology aims to deliver an immersive experience for WRC fans worldwide.
Hyundai’s WRC title-leading crew of Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe took on the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, navigating the 73-turn track as if it were a WRC rally stage, driven by pacenotes. This unprecedented move offered a unique insight into the art of pacenote making and the preparation of a top-level WRC crew.
As the WRC and FIA strive to introduce more varied event formats, this weekend’s Sardinia rally will trial a new compact sprint format, marking a significant departure from the traditional four-day events. This innovative approach is part of the FIA’s vision for the future of rallying and could become an option for other organisers in the near future.
The FIA has unveiled a detailed roadmap for the future of the World Rally Championship, aiming to attract new manufacturers and optimize the sport’s technical regulations. Stellantis, a key player in the WRC, shares its perspective on the proposed changes and the potential for a Lancia rally return.