2025 FIA Rally Star line-up revealed

The FIA Rally Star committee today (Thursday, 31 October) confirmed its line-up for next season, with all three drivers set to remain part of the talent development programme as they continue their rise from virtual novices to future FIA World Rally Championship title contenders.

Jürgenson, who only began rallying in 2022, clinched this year’s FIA Junior WRC title at his first attempt, securing a four-round WRC2 prize drive in the process. With FIA Rally Star support, his 2025 programme has been extended to six events, furthering his experience in the fiercely support category.

The Estonian driver will continue to receive training and support through the FIA Rally Star initiative and will conduct test sessions before each WRC2 event alongside his co-driver, Siim Oja.

Australian Gill and South African Smart, who showed standout pace to secure fourth and seventh places in this year’s FIA Junior WRC, will rejoin the Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo one-make series next season. The 2025 calendar, unveiled earlier this month, will take them to five rounds across Sweden, Portugal, Greece, Finland and Central Europe.

Commenting on the FIA Rally Star Committee’s decision, FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid said: “Since they were selected for the FIA Rally Star programme, Max, Romet and Taylor have not only demonstrated their talent but also their determination and it’s only right they have been rewarded with further opportunities to learn and progress in 2025.

"At the same time, it’s a further demonstration of the success of FIA Rally Star that young hopefuls with limited experience who came through from grassroots level via selection events organised by FIA Member Clubs are preparing to embark on their second seasons in the FIA World Rally Championship. This will incentivise other aspiring WRC champions to start their motor sport adventures by joining their FIA Member Club and discovering the possibilities that exist."