The stars of the FIA World Rally Championship shone bright on Sunday night as the 2025 season was officially launched in front of the sparkling backdrop of the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Before beginning proceedings, the sincere sympathies of the WRC community were passed to the family, friends and colleagues of His Excellency Mr. Didier Guillaume, serving Minister of state of Monaco, who sadly passed away on the 17 January.
Led by dignitaries FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Hankook Tire Motorsport Senior Director Manfred Sandbichler, WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel, Automobile Club de Monaco General Commissioner Eric Barrabino and SBM Director General Albert Manzone, there were a number of notable firsts to headline the launch. This included new world champion Thierry Neuville sporting the number one on the window of his Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team i20 N Rally1.
Speaking on the evening, the 36-year-old Belgian said, “Seeing the number one on the car for the full season now, we will never forget 2024. Nevertheless, it is a new season starting, all counters are on zero again which means we need to have the same motivation and spirit to fight hard and try and defend our title.
There was additionally a new look to the driver line-up, with Adrien Fourmaux now sporting the colours of Hyundai, Sami Pajari appearing as a full-time driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team and Josh McErlean making his first appearance in M-Sport Ford overalls, just days out from his Rally1 debut.
Appearing on stage following team-mate Gregoire Munster, Irishman McErlean admitted to being ‘privileged’ to be stood on the ramp. “Obviously, it is a dream come true, it will be a big year of learning, these cars are incredible.”
From leading driver in 2024 at M-Sport Ford, Frenchman Fourmaux will be bookended by world champions Neuville and Estonia’s Ott Tänak at Hyundai. “I am feeling really excited, it is a big challenge for us with a new car, a new team and new tyres – we want to continue in the way we were going last year.”
Joining Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä as a full-time driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing, former FIA Junior WRC champion Pajari has a wealth of experience to call upon in the Toyota garage Asked if he was feeling pressure with his increased role, the Finn opined: “At least not yet, that will come on Thursday evening, just really really looking forward to the season.”
The experience at Toyota will be further bolstered when legendary eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier turns out on selected rounds for the Japanese marque, including on the season-opener as he targets a record 10th Monte victory.
It was also a milestone evening for the event’s co-hosts Hankook Tire, who are about to endeavour on their first-ever journey in the WRC. Speaking on behalf of Hankook, Sandbichler said: “For Hankook Tire, today is a milestone because the legend starts today. This is a really strong competition and we will do everything we can to make the story successful.”
A former WRC competitor himself, FIA President Ben Sulayem said: “To us at the FIA this championship is very dear, it is one of the pillars we have and I can see a good future for the WRC.”
WRC Promoter’s Jona Siebel spoke of the importance of the season-opening Monte Carlo to the championship. “It’s a unique brand, full of emotions, heritage and passion – it is a privilege for us to get to start here,” he expressed.
Rallye Monte-Carlo officially starts on Thursday in the same location as Sunday night’s festivities, when all competitors cross the ceremonial start before heading high into the French Alps for three fan-laden stages in the dark, before eventually making their way back to Monte-Carlo on Sunday afternoon where the winner will be crowned.
It marks the beginning of 11 months of action which will see competitors cross four continents to tackle snow, ice, asphalt, dirt and gravel in their mission to be crowned world champions. The full 2025 calendar can be accessed here.
