Without major news, the WRC unveils its 2024 calendar

It's now official. The program for the next season is finally known. The rumors that were circulating have all been confirmed. Contained to participate in the economy effort, this list is also very “European”.

Published on 19/10/2023 à 17:05

Loïc ROCCI

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Without major news, the WRC unveils its 2024 calendar

Latvia is the only real new destination on the 2024 calendar (Photo Alex Guillaumot / DPPI)

There was no surprise. The events that were announced to make up the 2024 calendar of the WRC will all be there. While the candidates are obviously very numerous, there will be no increase compared to this year. Even if the promoter would like to reach 14 destinations, this will wait for more favorable economic conditions and times.

Among the lucky 13, there is a strong, very well-known backbone with Monte-Carlo, Sweden, Portugal, Sardinia (in Alghero in 2024), Finland and the Acropolis which are the “historical” ones that the decision-makers want to keep. To this, we must add two rounds which have recently returned and which also appear essential. Japan will once again close the year and the Safari will return to dates it occupied before 2000. In March, it is the start of the rainy season in the Naivasha region and the spectacle could be more extreme.

Among the introductions of recent years, Croatia and Chile are back after their success in 2023 while Central Europe has already been announced without the first edition having delivered its verdict. This will no longer be a novelty unlike Latvia which will replace Estonia which, let us remember, has lost a large part of the financial support of the State.

After several years in ERC, this is a promotion whose relevance will need to be monitored. The Baltic meeting will indeed take place in a summer where the major theme will be very high speed with also Poland and Finland. Is this succession of tests with similar characteristics useful? Wouldn't we need a little more diversity? This may happen in future years, but 2024 should suit those who like this type of challenge. Coming back surprised, the rally of Poland will certainly be one with its very sandy terrain which causes rails for the 2e turns. The challenge for the organizers will be to find an attractive course on which spectators can be controlled, which was not the case during the last visit in 2017.

Among the questions surrounding this calendar, there are those concerning the changes that the promoter will make in the division or the format. Which will be the first race to receive these transformations? Who will agree to offer a rally from Friday to Sunday?

« We look forward to another action-packed season in 2024 with a calendar that not only celebrates our traditions, but also propels us towards an exciting future, commented Jona Siebel, Managing Director of WRC Promotor. Our return to Poland and debut in Latvia underlines our commitment to delivering a fresh and exciting calendar for fans and competitors. Every round of the WRC season will be broadcast live on the WRC's new Rally.TV platform, as well as through traditional broadcast partners around the world. »

WRC 2024 Calendar

January 25 – 28 : Monte-Carlo (Asphalt/Ice)
15 – February 18 : Sweden (Snow)
28 – March 31 : Safari Rally Kenya (Land)
April 18 – 21 : Croatia (Asphalt)
May 9-12 : Portugal (Land)
May 30 - June 2 : Sardinia (Land)
June 27 – 30 : Poland (Land)
July 18 – 21 : Latvia (Land)
August 1 – 4 : Finland (Land)
September 5th - 8th : Acropolis (Earth)
September 26th - 29th : Chile (Land)
October 31 - November 3 : Central Europe (Asphalt)
21 - 24 November : Japan (Asphalt)

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Loïc ROCCI

Journalist specializing in rallying past, present and future... and with a southern accent

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