ERC Junior opens to Rally3 in 2021

In 2021, the Junior European Rally Championship (ERC Junior) s’adaptera aux voitures répondant à la réglementation Rally3, à la première desquelles la nouvelle Ford Fiesta construite par M-Sport.

This decision aims to reduce costs for young crews. In addition, a partnership between the ERC, Pirelli, M-Sport and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will see the 2021 winners secure a place in Junior WRC over five rounds in 2022.

“This is the first action in the process of redefining the rally sporting pyramid before other announcements planned for early 2021, explains Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director. In the meantime, any initiative that creates a clear path between the European Championship of Rally of the FIA ​​and the FIA ​​World Rally Championship is to be applauded and I am very pleased that we have been able to come together with M-Sport, Pirelli and Eurosport Events with the clear aim of achieving our common objectives.

It is vital for the future of our sport that young riders have the opportunity to gain international experience on four-wheel drive machines, and this project provides just that. »

“We made two important observations, continues Jean-Baptiste Ley, ERC coordinator for Eurosport Events. The first is that these ERC Junior drivers have demonstrated that they have what it takes to challenge for the overall title, and that is what we hope they will continue to do next season.

At the same time, it is clear that the step between ERC3 Junior, for two-wheel drive, and ERC1 Junior, for four-wheel drive, is not reduced, as the necessary financing proves increasingly difficult to obtain due to the global pandemic. The FIA's all-new Rally3 category is therefore the perfect answer to the needs of ERC Junior with a smart balance between cost and four-wheel drive experience.

As well as being able to aim for the overall title, Rally2 drivers aged under 28 will benefit from a package of incentives which will be announced soon, as we attach great importance to their participation. In the meantime, ERC3 Junior graduates and other young hopefuls coming out of national level will have the opportunity to compete in the exciting Rally3 category. »

2021 ERC Junior Calendar:

Rally Islas Canarias (asphalt), May 6-8, 2021

77th Rally Poland (gravel), June 18-20, 2021

Rally Liepāja (Latvia, gravel), July 1-3, 2021

Rally di Roma Capitale (Italy, asphalt), July 23-25, 2021

50th Barum Czech Rally Zlín (asphalt), August 27-29, 2021

Rally Hungary (asphalt), October 22-24, 2021