08 Nov 12

Fiestas to continue
powering young stars

Drivers chasing glory in the FIA Junior WRC Championship in 2013 will use Ford Fiesta R2s following an agreement between supplier M-Sport and motorsport's world governing body.

Currently known as the FIA WRC Academy Cup, the Junior WRC Championship is designed to provide accessible and cost-effective competition to drivers under the age of 26 on six European rounds of the 2013 WRC season.

As well as gaining experience behind the wheel, drivers also receive expert training and tuition.

“The Junior WRC Championship aims to be the most accessible and affordable first step on the FIA World Rally Championship ladder,” said FIA Rally Director Jarmo Mahonen. “We continue the model where we offer competition in connection with education, while giving all drivers exactly the same equipment to enable them to showcase their talent. We are delighted to continue our association with M-Sport which has an excellent track record with the WRC Academy.”

Next year’s Junior WRC champion will get the opportunity to contest a minimum of six events in the FIA WRC 2 Championship - driving a Ford Fiesta R5 - in 2014 when Junior championships could be introduced into all FIA Regional Rally Championships for crews competing in FIA-specified R2 cars. They would then be eligible to contest the FIA Junior WRC Championship, which would be reserved for drivers in FIA-specified R3 cars.

The WRC Academy has used the Fiesta R2 as standard since its introduction in 2011. Click here to obtain more information about registering for the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship.