The FIA Junior WRC has unveiled several key changes for 2027 including a bigger prize package and the removal of a double-points finale.
In previous seasons, Junior WRC competitors would receive a four-round WRC2 program as their prize for becoming champion, but next year that has been increased to seven.
WRC tire supplier Hankook will also provide an “allocation” of tires to competitors in 2027, alleviating cost, while the double-points finale has also been removed – although attendance at the final round is compulsory to be eligible for the championship.
Otherwise, a drivers’ best four scores from five will count towards the championship with stage win points remaining in place.
The 2027 calendar has also been revealed, starting once more in Sweden before two Tarmac rallies in Croatia and Italy and then two gravel events in Finland and Scotland.
FIA deputy president for sport, Malcolm Wilson,, said: “The changes we have introduced to the Junior WRC alongside our partners at WRC Promoter represent a significant step forward in making the championship more accessible and competitive, while further strengthening its position as the world’s leading development programme for emerging rally talent.
“One of my key targets has been to make the FIA World Rally Championship more accessible and affordable for competitors at every level, and the changes we have introduced to the Junior WRC for 2027 represent another important step towards making that vision a reality.
“A key part of these changes is the expanded prize package for the Junior WRC champion, which will now provide a seven-round WRC2 program. This will give the winning driver more time to adapt to the increased performance of WRC2 machinery, gain valuable experience and establish themselves at the next level. We want to give the next generation of rally talent the opportunity not only to progress through the sport, but to make their mark on the international stage.”
Junior WRC director, Maciej Woda, added: “I’m so happy with the work we have done with the FIA and the new WRC Promotor, to significantly improve the package for the Junior WRC for 2027.
“Thanks to this collaboration, but also, thanks to the support from the partners of the series, we can now offer a massive next step for the JWRC champion.
“The 2027 Junior WRC will be cheaper than it was in 2026 and will offer a much higher prize for the winner. The seven WRC2 events package, which the 2027 JWRC champion will receive, proves that the Junior WRC is by far the only junior series in motorsport where you can win much more than what you need to invest in the Junior season and we, as M-Sport Poland, are very proud to be a part of this championship.”
All competitors will once again compete in identical Ford Fiesta Rally3s.
Junior ERC champion Timo Schulz will be one of them, taking advantage of the same prize package that promoted 2025 champion Mille Johansson and 2026 runner-up Calle Carlberg in recent seasons.
