The question didn’t change, but it did keep on coming: when will the World Rally Championship be back in New Zealand? Visiting a few old friends in Aotearoa recently, the appetite seemed as strong as ever to see rallying’s top flight in the land of the long white cloud.
Back for the first time in a decade in 2022, two years on and people want more. And why wouldn’t they? Rally1 cars did their thing and wowed the North Island crowds, while Kalle Rovanperä camber-surfed his way to a victory which also clinched a maiden world title. Standing watching that story unfold at the spectacular, purpose-built Jack’s Ridge stage in Auckland’s suburbs was amazing. As was the return to Te Akau and Whaanga Coast.
That Rally New Zealand was something of a blueprint for how more traditional events can evolve to provide the WRC Promoter with what it needs in terms of media delivery, while also bringing classic Kiwi action for the stage-side fans.
And folk want more of the same. And sharpish. Sure, some dissenting voices question the multi-million-dollar investment required to bring a WRC round to town, but they’re not seeing the bigger picture. Granted, the service park’s not flooded with frontline metal right now, but it’s still some show when it lands.
At the time of writing, the WRC calendar is still being considered by stakeholders. DirtFish has seen a couple of incarnations date-wise, but we’ll wait for the official seasonal timeline to be delivered.
What we do know is that Sweden, Paraguay, Chile, Portugal, Safari, Sardinia, Canaries (Spain), Estonia, Finland, Greece, Central European Rally, Japan and Saudi Arabia are all under WRC Promoter agreement for 2025. The eagled-eyed among you will have noticed the absence of Monte Carlo. Don’t worry. The French Alps are expected to be included as the 14th round (obviously still running as the season opener) for next year – the promoter is currently working on a contract renewal with Automobile Club de Monaco.
It’s a good mix. Europe’s well represented with nine rounds, South America gets two, while Africa, Asia and the Middle East take one each. And there’s a 50:50 mix of old and new with Greece, Sweden, Portugal, Kenya, Finland, Sardinia (not as old-school as the others, but Italy and the island combine for qualification) and Monte providing the history.
New Zealand is a bonafide WRC classic – and the spectator interest back that up
Australasia is obviously missing, but discussions with New Zealand are ongoing and it looks like the way might be starting to align with the will. Australia? Less likely. Much less. The golden days of Perth, Langley Park and those spectacular and iconic Bunnings jumps seem like a lifetime ago.
While we’re on the subject of those fondly missed, familiar places, where else should the WRC Promoter have on the list?
Argentina, obviously. From what we understand, it narrowly missed out to Chile, but the potential is ever-present for a return. Britain? Hmm. Less likely. On the upside, Ireland’s getting closer and closer and, while it won’t offer the delights of Dyfi, Grizedale or that unique aroma of mud baking nicely on the exhaust, there are some equally awesome roads and a massive fanbase waiting to welcome the WRC back to the Emerald Isle.
Talking of Tarmac, Corsica anybody? Seemingly, not the WRC Promoter. Sanremo? Not while Sardinia’s face continues to fit. And, if we’re honest, Sanremo’s days look to be done. There was some speculation of a move to Rome, but that’s gone quiet with Alghero and Olbia looking secure as WRC hosts for the immediate future.
Crowning a new world champion at its last edition was a moment worthy of New Zealand's epic WRC history. But its story deserves to have new chapters written
México, then? There’s always a good possibility – especially with organizers Patrick Suberville and Gilles Spitalier keeping themselves match-fit while they work on the Rally USA project. Which brings us neatly to America. Let’s see on that one. The plan is still for 2026, but there remain a number of hoops still to be negotiated before then.
WRC Promoter takes its fair share of criticism for not always getting the blend of history, heritage and new markets right. We need to be sensible here, the promoter is a business and a business is in the business of making money.
Personally, I’d love to see New Zealand and Argentina back sooner rather than later, but what’s maybe even more important is to further sharpen the commercial offering and environment the WRC brings. The promoter is on that and making good progress. Across the board, the WRC needs to be irresistible to the world. And that’s perfectly possible. Just watch some of the action from Poland. Better still, show somebody who’s never heard of rallying that same footage, then pick them up off the floor and tell them that’s nothing special.
For us, it’s just Friday.
