The present: Hybrid era

In 2022 - the championship’s 50th season - the top category of WRC underwent major environmental changes with the debut of pioneering hybrid-powered Rally1 cars driving the series towards a more sustainable future. These innovations coincided with the celebrations of the WRC's 50th season.

Plug-in hybrid-powered cars built around an upgraded safety cell chassis, 100 per cent fossil-free fuel and sustainable energy supplies provide the key to the sport’s commitment to a greener future.

The Rally1 cars blend a 100kW electric motor with a competition-proven 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which has powered the sport’s top-tier cars since 2011. The package boasts peak performance levels of more than 500hp whilst also reducing harmful emissions.

It truly was a groundbreaking year...

The history books were well and truly re-written as Finnish wunderkind Kalle Rovanperä romped to his maiden drivers’ title in New Zealand, becoming the youngest star to achieve such a feat only one day after his 22nd birthday.

In the manufacturers’ title race, the pendulum swung back in the favour of Rovanperä’s Toyota Gazoo Racing team as the GR Yaris squad fended off harsh opposition from Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford.

Year	Driver	Car	Team
2022	Kalle Rovanperä	Toyota GR Yaris Rally1	Toyota Gazoo Racing