Status boost for
one-make cups

Rally Class, run by Belgium-based Symtech Racing, is for Group N-specification Subaru Imprezas (pictured), while the Ralliart Italy Cup caters is for drivers in Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xs.

Here’s what’s on offer for drivers planning to contest the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship in four-wheel-drive machinery for a controlled cost.

Ralliart Italy Cup

Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Operating company: Ralliart Italy

WRC record: Triple Production Car world champion with Armindo Araujo (twice) and Benito Guerra (once)

Rallies: Portugal, Greece, Italy, Germany, France, Spain (five best scores count)

Prize: Latest-specification Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X for the champion. Unspecified prizes for runner-up and third place

Cost: 250,000 Euros

The boss (Bruno De Pianto) says... “We’d like to provide drivers looking to make their mark on the WRC with the most cost-effective option possible to drive a 4WD car of PWRC-winning standard on six European events. The aim for our competitors will be both to win our Cup and the Group N Cup within WRC 2.”

Rally Class

Car: Subaru Impreza

Operating company: Symtech Racing

WRC record: 2011 Production Car world champion with Hayden Paddon

Rallies: Portugal, Greece, Finland, Germany, France, Spain

Prize: Four WRC rounds in 2014 in a Subaru Impreza R4. Runner-up gets one rally in an R4 Impreza

Cost: 270,000 Euros

The boss (Dirk Van der Sluys) says... “With a generous prize structure and complete publicity package at the disposal of our competitors, Rally Class is a sure way for talent drivers to get noticed and move up the career ladder, with all the prestige that official recognition from the FIA brings.”