It is understood that plans are in place to increase the number of races by one next year, bringing the total to 14 World Rally Championship events. This was originally intended for the current season, but ultimately the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the WRC Promoter settled on a 13-race programme.
It is almost certain that the championship will include at least one more long-haul rally, as the addition of Saudi Arabia to the schedule is considered practically a done deal. This year, three events outside Europe are being held in Kenya, Chile, and Japan, but there is a desire to increase the number of long-haul rallies going forward.
According to the French magazine Autohebdo, confirmation for the Saudi Arabian event is expected as early as March. Around the same time, official information may also be released regarding whether the necessary funding from the state for the Irish WRC event will materialise.
The Irish rally organisation has already made a proposal to the WRC Promoter for the next three years, during which it plans to host the event in three different locations. The promoter has given its blessing to this unique plan.
Next year’s calendar could be divided in such a way that nine rallies would be held in Europe, with a total of five long-haul rallies included. The promotion company has already held discussions with Paraguay, which is vying for a spot in the championship.
The promoter has also not hidden its desire for a second rally in South America alongside Chile. Argentina has a long tradition of hosting WRC events, but the country’s economic situation is so dire that the competition may not be feasible in 2025.
The WRC Promoter faces a positive problem, with almost a queue of willing event organisers wanting to join the series. There have also been reports from the Canary Islands that the Atlantic archipelago would like to host a WRC event as early as next season.
When new rallies are introduced to the series, some of the current events will have to be dropped – at least temporarily. For example, Poland has a contract for this year only. The hosting rights for the Latvian race may return to Estonia, which is not on the WRC calendar this year.
The contract for Croatian Rally is also up for renewal, but local organisers reportedly began negotiations last autumn for an extended agreement with the promoter.
More changes are expected for the 2026 season, by which time the United States and Scotland are among those vying for inclusion in the World Rally Championship.
