The first chapter of the new hybrid era of the World Rally Championship begins this weekend (January 20-23) with the Rally Montecarlo 2022. After half a century of WRC, the 90th edition of the legendary round takes the first step towards a more sustainable future for the sport with Rally1 cars.  

In the midst of this technological revolution, teams find themselves in the dark as to how competitive they are going to be in relation to their rivals.

Also, the typically unpredictable weather conditions found at the alpine event, which often result in a combination of snow and/or both icy and dry sections during the same special, adds greater unpredictability to what already is the most challenging rally on the calendar. 

And if that wasn’t enough, there are a few more changes coming into place this year. Firstly, the Gap assistance park, there since 2014 will now move to Monaco. Secondly, 95% of the route has been modified as compared to that of 2021. 

Hyundai: A cocktail of experience and youth to come back from its ashes 

After a very poor WRC 2021, when they missed on both the Constructors and Drivers’ titles, Hyundai wants to regain the confidence lost and, at least, conquer the collective prize. 

Once again, leading the teams’ offensive at the wheel of the new i20 N Rally 1 will be their two main couples: Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe and Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja. 

After their first podium together in Montecarlo 2021, the Belgian duet will be one of the most likely protagonists of this edition. Also, Neuville already knows what it is like to win on the slopes of Monaco after taking the gold there in 2020. 

Meanwhile, bringing youth and quality to the team will be the 20-year-old Swede Oliver Solberg who will make his debut as an official driver in Montecarlo with the help of his British co-pilot Elliott Edmondson.

The couple will alternate at the wheel of the third South Korean rocket with the Spaniards Dani Sordo and Candido Barrera. 

Toyota: To defend their Drivers and Constructors’ titles  

After an impeccable 2021 season, in which they took both the crowns, Toyota now has the complex task of defending its throne. The biggest change this time around has to do with Sebastien Ogier, who will not be fighting the drivers’ battle with a part-time programme.  

The Frenchman will only race on a part-time basis and Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin will take his place at the head of Toyota’s line-up. Ogier, however, will be one of the stars at this weekend’s Rally Montecarlo.

Having triumphed there eight times previously, he dominates the event with an iron fist. This year he will attempt another win with his new co-pilot Benjamin Veillas, recruited after the retirement of his compatriot Julien Ingrassia. 

The British couple,  runners up in both 2020 and 2021, as well as in Montecarlo last year, is also bound to attract a great deal of attention. Joining the Britons for a second consecutive season will be Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen.

After a brilliant year, in which the #69 became the youngest driver in the history of the WRC to win a round and to lead the standings, the Finn couple will aspire to continue growing in 2022. 

Meanwhile, Esapekka Lappi will be back to alternate –together with his co-driver Janne Ferm- at the wheel of the third GR Yaris Rally 1 with Sebastien Ogier this season.  

M-Sport: Leaders of the electric revolution  

Determined to take the lead of the hybrid era, M-Sport began the development of its Puma Rally 1 well ahead of its rivals, so It will be interesting to see if they have any actual competitive advantage.

The team from Cumbria has chosen the Anglo-Swedish couple made up of Gus Greensmith and Jonas Andersson to take them into the hybrid era as well as the recently hired Craig Breen and Paul Nagle. 

Re-joining the British team on a partial programme will be Sebastien Loeb. The most successful driver in the history of the WRC (9 crowns) will be accompanied by his new co-pilot Isabelle Galmiche. 

Just five days after finishing second in the 2022 edition of the Dakar, the man from Alzenau will seek his eighth victory in Montecarlo in an attempt to come up level with his archenemy Ogier. 

Images of Rally Montecarlo 2022: Toyota Gazoo Racing.