Spectacular Parade Through Prague Launches Central European Rally Week

The Central European Rally week got underway in grand style with a spectacular parade through Prague. The Czech capital symbolically remains part of the twelfth round of the FIA World Rally Championship. On Sunday, October 12, seven rally cars showcased their power and precision in the heart of the city, set against the backdrop of world-famous landmarks. The event culminated in a fan meet-and-greet at the headquarters of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic in Opletalova Street. The prologue was officially opened by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel.

A magnificent backdrop for the world's best rally drivers: WRC1 drivers from Toyota, Hyundai and Ford M-Sport graced the heart of Prague, driving in convoy past the Golden City's most beautiful sights.

Leading the special convoy was one of the brightest Czech rally talents, Petr Kačírek Jr. Among the participants were three top-tier Rally1 cars – a Hyundai driven by Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, a Ford piloted by Luxembourg’s Grégoire Munster, and a Toyota with Finnish driver Sami Pajari behind the wheel. They were joined by three WRC2 competitors – Filip Mareš (Toyota), Jan Černý (Škoda), and Germany’s Philip Geipel (Toyota).

Czechia's President Petr Pavel opened the prologue for the Central European Rally on Sunday, thereby also giving the official starting signal for the twelfth round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

“I’m delighted that the rally cars made their way through Prague, and even more so that their parade was launched by President Petr Pavel himself. Seeing WRC machines in the very center of the city perfectly captures the spirit of a World Championship event in the heart of Europe,” said Jan Šťovíček, President of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic. The 12-kilometer parade began at 2 p.m. in front of the Autoclub headquarters. With a police escort, the cars passed by the State Opera and National Museum, continued across Charles Square to the Dancing House, and then drove past the National Theatre and Charles Bridge to Rudolfinum, where drivers stopped for nearly an hour to meet journalists and fans.

The convoy then crossed the river, wound its way through Malostranské Square, and returned across Mánes Bridge with the Prague Castle panorama in the background, heading into the Old Town. After passing through Pařížská Street, the rally cars entered the Old Town Square, continued along Revoluční Street to the Powder Tower, and then via Hybernská Street returned to Opletalova. The afternoon concluded with an autograph session and fan meeting at the Autoclub headquarters.

Numerous fans cheered the parade of rally cars through Prague. Another highlight of the prologue to the Central European Rally was the get-together at the autograph session at the Rudolfinum.

“Today’s drive through Prague was the most unique place I’ve ever driven a WRC car. Absolutely extraordinary. I’ve been here a few times before, so I knew many of the landmarks we passed today. Driving through the city center with so many fans watching was incredible – the crowd’s energy gave the whole event a special magic,” said Finnish Toyota driver Sami Pajari. “There were so many people cheering and waving along the route. Even though we had to focus on driving, I tried to acknowledge their support whenever possible. It was wonderful to see so many fans find their way to the route and come to support us. I’m really grateful – it was amazing to be part of it,” added Filip Mareš, runner-up in last year’s WRC2 Central European Rally standings.

The Central European Rally officially kicks off on Thursday, October 16 in Bad Griesbach, Germany, with two opening special stages. On Friday, October 17, six more tests await on the border region of the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria, including the Col de Jan stage featuring a regroup and passage through the historic center of Český Krumlov. On Saturday, October 18, another six stages are on the schedule, including two classic Šumava stages – Keply and Klatovy. The rally will conclude on Sunday, October 19, with the winner crowned in Passau.