Air date: 2025-01-23

The most unpredictable rally of the year. Relatively straight-forward asphalt roads in the French Alps are complicated by winter weather which places an emphasis on cunning tyre choices. Frequently, the skill to drive slowly as fast as possible is the key to success. Little is simple in the high mountains!

Air date: 2025-02-13

First held in 1950, Rally Sweden is one of the oldest rallies in the world. It is also the only rally on the WRC calendar to take place entirely on snow and ice, making it a unique and popular spectacle among fans worldwide. In pursuit of the ultimate winter conditions, the event moved north in 2022 to a new base in Umeå. Drivers ‘lean’ their cars against the banks to guide them round corners. But in warmer temperatures the banks disintegrate on impact and cars can become stuck in the snow. Studded tyres are essential and provide remarkable grip, but drivers must acclimatise to the ‘floating’ feeling and different braking points. When temperatures hover around freezing, the studs tear up the road surface and exposed gravel rips them from the tyres to leave little traction. Outdoor servicing in temperatures which can plunge as low as -25°C makes normally routine jobs slower and tricky for gloved mechanics.

Air date: 2025-03-20

Safari Rally Kenya is a motorsport adventure like no other. Known as one of the toughest and most unpredictable events on the calendar, it challenges drivers with rough terrain, deep ruts, and the ever-present threat of sudden rainfall. Set in the heart of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, the rally blends modern WRC competition with the spirit of classic endurance events.

Air date: 2025-04-25

A new addition to the WRC calendar for 2025, Rally Islas Canarias has earned a reputation as a thrilling asphalt challenge thanks to years of success in the European Rally Championship (ERC). Its smooth and technical roads wind through picturesque Gran Canaria, demanding precise driving and strategic tire management. With the heat adding an extra layer of difficulty, this rally promises spectacular action and unforgettable scenery.

Air date: 2025-05-15

A founding round of the WRC back in 1973, Rally de Portugal is ranked as one of the WRC's classic events with challenging gravel stages to the east and south of Porto. Varying road surfaces and changeable weather add to the task facing crews. It’s also extremely popular among fans with enthusiastic spectators following the action in their tens of thousands. Sandy roads ensure grip is at a premium for the early starters during the first pass through the stages and the surface can degrade to unearth sharp rocks and deep ruts for the second pass. This often requires teams to raise the ride height on their cars to avoid mechanical damage. Over the years, the rally has received numerous awards, including ‘The Best Rally in the World’ (which it has won five times) and ‘The Most Improved Rally of the Year’ in 2000. Finland's Markku Alén and France's Sébastien Ogier top the roll of honour with five wins apiece.