WRC launch 2022 in Salzburg: teams show their Rally1 cars – RALLYE
Less than a week before the start of the 50th season of the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the Monte Carlo Rally (20th to 23rd January), the three manufacturers Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport-Ford have at an event in the Hangar 7 o’clock Salzburg Airport presents their new Rally1 cars.
In the presence of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the final versions of the new cars, which for the first time in the history of the WRC have a hybrid drive with an additional electrical output of 100 kilowatts (136 hp), were presented.
The defending champions from Toyota rely on the black, white and red color scheme known from previous years for the GR Yaris. With the Toyota it is more noticeable than with the other models how clearly the aerodynamics in the rear area have been cut.
Striking features of the Yaris are the vertical exterior mirrors and an air intake on the rear fender. Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä will be on the grid for the Japanese manufacturer’s works team at all 13 planned WRC races this year. A third car is shared by reigning world champion Sebastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi. A fourth Yaris will be used for youngster Takamoto Katsuta.
Hyundai had already published the i20 N virtually this week, in Salzburg the new car saw the light of day in person for the first time. Like Toyota, Hyundai relies on continuity when it comes to paintwork, and the differences to last year’s car are the least obvious in the new Hyundai.
Just like Toyota, Hyundai WILL operate with two regular drivers and two rotating pilots. Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak will contest the entire 2022 WRC season, alternating in the third car of young Oliver Solberg and veteran Dani Sordo.
M-Sport is the only one of the three manufacturers to launch a new vehicle model. The Ford Puma replaces the Fiesta. M-Sport had already shown the car for the first time in summer 2021, in Salzburg the team presented the new car for the first time in the final livery with sponsor Red Bull.
M-Sport will field four cars at the Monte Carlo Rally. The squad is led by WRC record champion Sebastien Loeb, who is returning to the World Rally Championship after a year and a half.
Also nominated for the manufacturers’ championship at the season opener are Craig Breen and Adrien Fourmaux, which is also seeded for the full season. The fourth M-Sport Puma is driven by Gus Greensmith.
“Today’s start of the new Rally1 era is a very proud and significant moment for the FIA and the whole rallying family and I would like to congratulate the WRC promoter on a great show at the start of the championship’s 50th anniversary season “, says FIA President Ben Sulayem.
“Alongside the hybrid technology, which achieves a new level of dynamic performance coupled with safety improvements, the Rally1 cars will use 100 per cent sustainable fuel, and there is also talk of greater sustainability in the organization of each round of the series,” said Ben Sulayem further. “I’m looking forward to an exciting season!”