While the general public’s interest often focuses on the WRC’s top category, the WRC2 class frequently delivers better competition and more excitement. In recent years, several drivers have successfully transitioned from WRC2 to the top level.
The latest example is Adrien Fourmaux, who had a breakthrough season with M-Sport. The French driver claimed five podium finishes last season and earned a promotion to Hyundai’s factory team for the upcoming season.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener holds WRC2 in high regard and sees great potential in the class.
“Rally2 has a lot of drivers who all have a good opportunity. It’s also very difficult to pick one that you could say will definitely do well because Rally2 is so competitive,” Millener said.
“You almost have to pick somebody and give them a few years to see if they can make it in Rally1,” he added.
When it comes to identifying future top-level talents for the WRC, there’s no need to look far.
“So, I wouldn’t want to pick one particular person, but I do think the Rally2 field, being so competitive, is still the place to find the next group of Rally1 drivers,” Millener stated.
New technical regulations coming into force in 2027 will significantly alter the landscape. The differences between Rally1 and Rally2 cars will narrow, with hybrid units already being removed from Rally1 cars starting next season. From 2027 onwards, manufacturers will also have greater flexibility in car design.
“Drivers currently in Rally2 need to very carefully pick their way through the next couple of years because I think when the new technical regulations come out, the top-level cars will be a lot closer to Rally2. Teams will then be looking for those drivers at the top of the Rally2 class right now,” Millener explained.
“Their goal must be to ensure they stay at the top level within that category and aim to break through in the next couple of years, which is very possible. However, it also means there’ll be a lot of people entering with the same approach. To succeed, you have to be consistently good for a long period of time,” he continued.
Millener warned against underestimating the WRC2 class.
“Away from Rally1, I still think Rally2 is very exciting to watch. It’s always super close, with great talent in there,” Millener said.
The limited number of Rally1 cars and the resulting smaller competition pool in the top category have been ongoing talking points. Millener agrees that the main category could benefit from more cars but emphasises the importance of balance.
“When discussing whether we need more Rally1 cars, I think yes, we need some more, but not too many. Otherwise, you lose the ability to cover the Rally2 class as well as we do now. Rally2 is a really important category and a very close championship to follow,” Millener highlighted.
“There are a lot of arguments for and against having more Rally1 cars. But the underlying factor is that Rally2 is certainly competitive and where drivers need to showcase themselves,” Millener concluded.
