Last year’s champion, Sami Pajari, has graduated to the WRC’s top tier with Toyota GAZOO Racing, leaving the door open for a new titleholder in 2025. Oliver Solberg, Nikolay Gryazin, and Yohan Rossel – all key players in last year’s championship fight – are each back for another shot at glory, joined by a mix of seasoned contenders and promising newcomers.
Solberg’s New Start
After driving for Škoda in recent seasons, last year’s runner-up Oliver Solberg kicks off 2025 behind the wheel of a Printsport-run Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. While the Swede isn’t registered for points at Rallye Monte-Carlo, he’ll use the event to gain valuable mileage before launching his title bid on home soil at Rally Sweden next month.
Gryazin’s Škoda Return
Nikolay Gryazin is another driver switching things up, rejoining Toksport with a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 after a year with Citroën. The 27-year-old is no stranger to success with Škoda, having claimed multiple podiums in a Fabia RS in 2023.
Rossel Brothers Headline Citroën’s Charge
Yohan Rossel sticks with Citroën and leads the PH Sport team in a C3 Rally2. He is joined by younger brother Léo, who steps up to pilot a near-identical car after winning last year’s French Tarmac title.

Tue 21 Jan 2025
The Crews to Watch as WRC2 Kicks Off in Monte-Carlo
The 2025 FIA World Rally Championship begins in style this week with Rallye Monte-Carlo, and WRC2 promises to deliver more thrilling action as 22 crews prepare to tackle the iconic event.

Exciting Upgrades and Fresh Faces
Several drivers make significant career steps this season. Jan Černy, a winner here last year WRC3, graduates to WRC2 with a C3 Rally2. Filip Kohn, meanwhile, also transitions from a Ford Fiesta Rally3 to a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.
The Iron Lynx team fields two Citroëns for rising star Sarah Rumeau and 19-year-old prospect Pablo Sarrazin. The cars will be prepared by a familiar name - Pablo’s father, Stéphane Sarrazin, who finished third overall at Rallye Monte-Carlo in 2009.
Experienced Hands and Determined Campaigns
Former WRC works driver and WRC2 round winner Eric Camilli is among the other notable names in action this week. Italian driver Rachele Somaschini also features, embarking on a six-round WRC2 campaign this year after several competitive seasons in the FIA European Rally Championship.
Other names on the entry list include Roberto Daprà, Charles Munster, Matthieu Margaillan and Maxime Potty.

