Following the success of the inaugural FIA WRC Academy Cup in 2011, the one-make feeder series to the World Rally Championship (WRC) will now be run in partnership by motorsport's governing body, the FIA, and the WRC Academy promoter and supplier, M-Sport Ltd.

The WRC Academy is the first step on the ladder for aspiring young rally drivers wishing to showcase their talent on the world stage, and this year offers the season winner the chance to select how best to develop their career in the WRC. In consultation with the FIA and M-Sport - who will provide expert advice and guidance - the winning driver will be given the opportunity to contest all rounds of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship in a Ford Fiesta R2, with a recce car provided on long haul events. Or, alternatively, the driver can decide to contest five rounds of the 2013 series, stepping up in to a Fiesta S2000 car.

Designed to be accessible and cost-effective with the basic cost of participation set at £119,500, competitors registering for the FIA WRC Academy Cup will be supplied with identical Fiesta R2s prepared and maintained by M-Sport?s central European base in Poland. To further encourage equal competition and showcase the ability of each individual competitor, every Fiesta will once again be fitted with control tyres from Pirelli.

As well as learning their craft on the stages, competitors will continue to take part in a comprehensive training and tuition programme to maximise their potential both in and out of the cockpit.

The 2012 WRC Academy Cup will be contested over six rounds of the WRC, with drivers counting their best five scores towards the Cup. The series kicks off with three gravel rounds in Portugal, Greece and Finland before heading to the challenging asphalt in Germany and France. The season-finale takes the crews to Salou in Spain for a mixed-surface event.

To be eligible to take part, drivers must be born on or after 14 November 1986 and have not competed as a priority driver on more than seven rounds of the WRC prior to 1 January 2012.

FIA WRC Academy documents:

Follow this link to download the 2012 draft regulations.

Follow this link to download a 2012 season application form.

Follow this link to download Bulletin 01.

For further information please contact Kate Rhodes at M-Sport by emailing krhodes@m-sport.co.uk or by calling +44 1900 828888.