Vote Now: Which performance stole the show in 2024?

The vote for Drive of the Year is officially open on WRC’s social channels, and it’s your chance to crown the most unforgettable drive of the season!

The nominees have each delivered something extraordinary at a key event this year. Here’s a closer look at the contenders:

Thierry Neuville – Rallye Monte-Carlo
Neuville’s win at Rallye Monte-Carlo wasn’t just a victory – it was the start of a career-defining season that would eventually see him crowned champion for the first time.

After a tough Friday left him over 16 seconds adrift of the lead, Neuville fought back in spectacular fashion. He took the lead on Saturday morning, battled with Sebastien Ogier, and held his own until dominating the final three stages to seal a 16.1-second victory.

Yohan Rossel – Rally Italia Sardegna
While Rossel didn’t take home the WRC2 win at Rally Italia Sardegna, his comeback was nothing short of legendary. After falling to 18th following a puncture on the third stage, Rossel went on a blistering run, posting eight consecutive fastest stage times on Saturday and taking the Wolf Power Stage win.

By the end of the rally, Rossel had climbed back to the podium, finishing just 32.3 seconds behind winner Sami Pajari. Without that early setback, victory would have been on the cards.

Mārtiņš Sesks – Tet Rally Latvia
Mārtiņš Sesks’ performance at his home rally in Latvia showed just how much he has grown in 2024. After a strong debut in Poland, Sesks was determined to shine on home soil, and he did just that.

Driving a M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID, he ran inside the top three virtually all rally, and claimed two stage wins. A third-place finish seemed assured until a heart-wrenching transmission issue on the final stage dropped him to seventh. Despite the disappointment, Sesks showed his true character, waving to his fans with a smile on his face instead of succumbing to frustration.

Kalle Rovanperä – ORLEN 80th Rally Poland
Rovanperä’s late call-up to Rally Poland was a true test of his adaptability, and he passed with flying colours. After Sébastien Ogier withdrew at the final hour, Rovanperä stepped up despite his reduced 2024 schedule.

With limited time for recce, he managed to take the lead on the rally’s 10th stage and never looked back, eventually taking victory by almost half a minute. Against all odds, Rovanperä delivered a performance that solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s finest talents.

The power is in your hands!
Head to WRC’s social channels now to vote for your breakthrough driver of 2024. Voting closes at 12:00 CET on 31 December, with the results set to be revealed early next year.