The FIA has unveiled a revised Junior WRC championship for 2027 featuring an expanded WRC2 prize drive, a Europe-only calendar, and measures to lower costs for competitors.
Calendar and Format Adjustments
The junior category will continue across five rounds, but the 2027 calendar will be held entirely in Europe to cut down on international travel and financial expenses. The schedule includes events in Sweden, Croatia, Italy, Finland, and Scotland, comprising two gravel rallies, two asphalt rallies, and one snow event.
Organizers have removed the double-points finale from the structure. Although competitors can enter all five rallies, only each crew’s top four results will count toward the final standings. To qualify for the championship classification, participation in the season-closing Rally Scotland is mandatory.
Prizes and Cost-Saving Measures
The champion will receive a significant upgrade in their prize package, moving from a previous four-round schedule to a seven-round WRC2 programme for the 2028 season.
To ease financial burdens, tire supplier Hankook will supply an allocation of complimentary tires to all Junior WRC participants across the 2027 campaign, addressing one of the primary expenses in the series.
FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson stated that the adjustments were designed to improve accessibility and competitiveness while reinforcing the championship’s role as a leading development platform for rising rally drivers.
“The changes we have introduced to the Junior WRC alongside our partners at WRC Promoter represent a significant step forward in making the championship more accessible and competitive, while further strengthening its position as the world’s leading development programme for emerging rally talent,” Malcolm Wilson said.
“One of my key targets has been to make the FIA World Rally Championship more accessible and affordable for competitors at every level, and the changes we have introduced to the Junior WRC for 2027 represent another important step towards making that vision a reality,” Wilson added.
“This will give the winning driver more time to adapt to the increased performance of WRC2 machinery, gain valuable experience and establish themselves at the next level. We want to give the next generation of rally talent the opportunity not only to progress through the sport, but to make their mark on the international stage.”
