The FIA has announced a revised Junior WRC format for 2027, with the championship returning to a five-round schedule and introducing measures aimed at lowering the cost of participation. The champion will also receive an expanded prize for the following season.
Next year’s calendar will be limited to Europe and include Rally Sweden, Croatia, Italy, Finland and Scotland. The programme will consist of two gravel events, two asphalt rallies and one snow rally, reducing the financial and logistical demands associated with competing overseas.
The championship’s double-points finale has been removed. All five rallies will contribute to the standings, but only each crew’s best four results will count towards the final classification. Crews must compete in the final round, Rally Scotland, to remain eligible for the championship classification.
The most significant change concerns the champion’s reward. The 2027 title winner will receive a seven-round WRC2 programme in 2028, compared with the four-event programme previously awarded to Junior WRC champions.
Hankook will also provide Junior WRC competitors with an allocation of free tyres throughout the 2027 season. The measure is intended to reduce one of the main costs involved in competing in the category.
FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson said the changes, developed with WRC Promoter, were designed to make the championship more accessible and competitive. He said the longer WRC2 programme would give the champion more time to adapt to the higher performance of WRC2 cars and gain experience at the next level.
Sources: Autosport.