Launched in 2021 as the inaugural global talent detection initiative, the FIA Rally Star programme aims to identify, train and nurture drivers destined to become the future stars of the FIA World Rally Championship.
An impressive 6,700 hopefuls participated in qualifying events worldwide, with this number narrowed down to just six after the continental finals. Those drivers have since undergone a 'training season' in 2023, including participating in several rallies across Europe in M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo cars.
After a meticulous evaluation of the six drivers' performances throughout the season, the FIA Rally Star Committee confirmed that Taylor Gill (Australia), Romet Jürgenson (Estonia), Jose 'Abito' Caparó (Peru), and Max Smart (South Africa) will each progress to the FIA Junior WRC in 2024.
FIA Rally Star Project Leader Jérôme Roussel said: “While the Lausitz Rallye marked the end of the FIA Rally Star Training Season calendar, it was the moment when the hard job really started: to select the four drivers who had shown the performance and the potential required to step up to FIA Junior WRC.
"With the vital input of the FIA Rally Star Committee, which is made up of a number of experts in the field of rallying and motor sport as a whole, we were able to select our own fab four. Jose, Max, Romet and Taylor experienced differing fortunes during the Training Season, but they also displayed the necessary potential. We have every confidence that they can maximise the opportunity they have been given in 2024 and we will follow their progression and adventures with a huge sense of pride but, above all, excitement."
The 2024 FIA Junior WRC season comprises five rallies on diverse surfaces. It commences on snow at Rally Sweden in February, followed by the all-asphalt Croatia Rally. Gravel fixtures in Italy, Finland and Greece conclude the year.
Portugal
Sweden
France
