STORY OF CENTRAL EUROPEAN RALLY
Unique, sustainable and uniting people: that is the new Central European Rally. The ADAC e. V., the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, and the Austrian Motorsport Federation (AMF) are bringing the FIA World Rally Championship to the heart of Europe with an innovative concept.
Central European Rally Unites Three Nations in Historic FIA WRC Event
For the first time in the history of the FIA WRC, which stretches back more than 50 years, a round of the world championship will be held in three different countries in 2023. Sport unites and transcends borders, and this concept makes the Central European Rally a unique joint project in Europe. After starting in Prague, a series of diverse and challenging special stages take the competitors to Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. The rally is planned to finish in Passau.Not only do three rivers meet in the German city, but, having passed through three nations, the Central European Rally will also reach a worthy conclusion there with the podium ceremony. Thanks to its central location in the region incorporating these three countries, Passau will be at the heart of the rally on four days.
Rallying as a Technological Catalyst for Sustainable Mobility
The World Rally Championship is a technological catalyst and, as a development lab for the automotive industry, allows people to experience sustainable, cutting-edge technology. With efficient hybrid technology and sustainable, 100% fossil-free fuel, the cars in the top class showcase future technologies and new means of mobility in a dynamic environment. The Rally1 cars are powered by 100% fossil-free fuel. The FIA WRC will also present high tech from around the region.
The 136-hp hybrid system used in the Rally1 class has been developed and manufactured in Bavaria, while the batteries come from Austria.
Electricity generated from renewable sources is used to charge the hybrid cars' batteries in the service park.
Central European Rally: Advancing Excellence and Sustainability in Motorsports
With the Central European Rally, the ADAC is continuing to develop the successful concept of a World Rally Championship event together with its partners in the Czech Republic and Austria. Up until 2019, the ADAC
Rally Germany was one of the biggest sporting events in Germany,
attracting more than 200,000 fans. Attracting more foreign visitors than any other round on the World Rally Championship calendar, the ADAC Rally Germany brought together sports fans from throughout Europe. With its central location, the Central European Rally will appeal
to an equally international audience. In the past, the ADAC Rally
Germany was renowned for its comprehensive sustainability concepts.
The ADAC will now apply that experience to the Central European Rally.
In the past, the International Automobile Federation FIA has recognised the ADAC's organisation of the German round of the WRC with its highest accolade - three stars and the rating "Excellence" - within the
"FIA Environmental Accreditation Framework".
FIA World Rally Championship: Showcasing Three Countries Globally
The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is a top-level sporting event that is watched around the world, and will present the three-country region to a global audience. In 2021, the FIA WRC was broadcast on television in 150 countries, and 781 million viewers followed the world championship on TV.
The Central European Rally’s Thrilling Encore Across Three Nations in 2024
Building on the triumph of its inaugural year, the Central European Rally proudly announces its second edition in 2024. The event's success in 2023 marked a historic milestone, drawing participants and spectators from across the globe to witness a thrilling competition that transcended borders. The 2024 Central European Rally maintains its exhilarating route through Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, beginning with the ceremonial start at Prague's Castle. Last year's rally featured memorable moments, including the Super special stage in Chuchle Arena and the scenic journey through South Bohemia, culminating in a celebratory podium in Passau. This year echoes the thrill with slight changes keeping the three countries experience, promising another chapter of high-speed adventure and camaraderie across these three nations.
WRC CLASSES
WRC
The WRC is the highest calss and uses Rally 1-cars. These cars are purpose-built, highly specialized machines designed specifically for rally racing. They are equipped with turbocharged engines, advanced four-wheel drive systems, and cutting-edge technologies to maximize performance and handling. The current regulations mandate a maximum engine displacement of 1.6 liters and a turbo restrictor to control power output. The vehicles are equipped with a plug-in hybrid kit that increases power to more than 500 hp. The Rally 1-cars are known for its blistering acceleration, precise handling, and aerodynamic designs.
WRC2
The WRC2 class serves as a stepping stone for drivers and teams aspiring to compete in the top-tier WRC category. It allows for a broader range of rally cars that conform to slightly relaxed technical regulations compared to WRC cars. In the WRC2 class, you'll find vehicles with a maximum engine displacement of 1.6 liters (turbocharged). This class provides an opportunity for up-and-coming drivers to showcase their skills and potentially secure a seat in a WRC team.
WRC3
The FIA WRC3 is a support championship of the World Rally Championship. The calendar consists of the same rallies and stages as the parent series and crews usually compete immediately after WRC2 entrants. Designed for privateer drivers, WRC3 has lower entry costs than WRC2 and there are restrictions on who can enter, testing and professional support received.
Junior WRC
This is a championship in an arrive-and-drive format, contested with Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars. It is held at five events on the WRC calendar. Drivers must be under 29 years of age and must register. Championship titles will be awarded to drivers and co-drivers, with no age restriction for co-drivers.
WRC Masters Cup
In 2023 the FIA WRC Masters Cup will run for the first time. The cup is open to drivers and co-drivers over 50 years of age and may enter in any WRC eligible car except Rally1. The cup effectively replaces WRC2 Masters Cup which ran in 2022 for WRC2 entrants of the same criteria.
RALLY IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Prepare your helmets and get ready for an incredible rally that traverses countries around the world. From wild jungles to mountainous serpentines, this epic competition will take you to the most remote corners of the motorsport planet. Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride, where drivers will face incredible challenges and battle for the championship title on the global rally stage.