When the Rally1 era began on the Monte Carlo Rally in 2022, 11 examples of the hybrid-powered machines lined up for the season opener. That number dropped by one 12 months later and it’s dipped further still with eight top-level cars preparing to take the start in Monaco in seven days from now.
Although it’s been termed a crisis by some, it must be viewed as anything but, even if the main man for the last two seasons – Kalle Rovanpera – won’t be coming to the party, well not for whole night at least.
Indeed, it’s Rovanpera’s role as a part-time player in 2024 that makes the upcoming World Rally Championship title chase so intriguing. And that’s exactly why hope should not be lost, despite the low turn out of Rally1 cars on the Monte opener and, potentially, for the bulk of the year.
Below, Motorsport News has answered five key questions for 2024. But whatever the answers, when it comes to who wins the title, it’s almost certain that for the first time since 2019 a driver not called Kalle or Sebastien will be crowned champion. And that’s definitely an exciting prospect, especially if their first name is Elfyn.
