Rally race
The FIA World Rally Championship-3 or WRC-3 is a support championship of the World Rally Championship. The calendar consists of the same rallies and stages as the main class and crews usually compete immediately after WRC-2 entrants. Entry into the World Rally Championship-3 is limited to cars that are based on production models and homologated under Group Rally3 rules, although prior to 2022 Group Rally2 cars were used.[1][2][3] There are championship titles awarded to Teams, Drivers and Co-Drivers. The current format of the series began in 2020.
History
The original incarnation of the series began in 2013 and was open to two wheel drive cars competing under Group R1, R2 and R3 regulations.[4] It ran until 2018 before it was cancelled when all WRC championships became four wheel drive with the exception of Junior WRC.[5]
The 2019 season saw the running of two categories in support of the World Rally Championship. These were known as the World Rally Championship-2 Pro for professional crews and manufacturer teams, and the World Rally Championship-2 for privateers. However, this multi-class structure was found to be too confusing, with customer drivers in WRC-2 Pro whilst manufacturer teams were unofficially supporting WRC-2 teams.[6] The categories were renamed again and The World Rally Championship-3 name was revived in 2020. Professional crews would now contest the World Rally Championship-2 and privateers would contest the World Rally Championship-3 where teams were not allowed to enter.[6] Stricter rules on entry eligibility were introduced in 2021 clarifying the line between professional and privateer.
In March 2021 the FIA announced that from the 2022 season WRC-3 would be a Group Rally3 car based championship with Open and Junior category titles.[1]
Rules
In 2022, WRC-3 entries can be made in the name of the driver or team. Other than the use of Rally3 cars, there are no restrictions on entry eligibility. Crews can compete in any rally on the WRC calendar but must nominate beforehand any rally that will count towards their WRC3 championship up to a maximum of 5 rounds, with the best 4 results contributing to the championship points tally. Power Stage points also contribute as from the 2021 season onwards.[3]
The WRC3 Junior category is an arrive-and-drive style format organised by M-Sport. Crews born on or after 1 January 1993 must register for the championship and contest up to 5 rallies as set by M-Sport using Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars provided. Unlike WRC2 Junior, there is no 'open' Junior championship in WRC3.
Round winners
Updated after 2021 Rally Monza
Lauri Joona
