The oldest international rally series

Created in 1953 and streamlined in 2004 when the championship moved away from the coefficient system to the format recognisable today, the oldest international rally series in existence, which turns 70 this year, is not only the ultimate training ground for young talents aiming for the top of the sport, it remains a destination in itself.

With a clear path of progression from national level to the world stage to mirror the FIA Rally Sporting Pyramid, career-focused competitors can climb the ranks by getting their first taste of international competition in either Rally5 or Rally4 machinery before progressing to Rally3 and then to the ERC’s headlining Rally2 category.

The WRC is very much the next step for aspiring world champions who can switch to WRC3 or WRC2 depending on their level of experience and finance. However, the ERC remains a platform for all-comers to compete internationally, meaning age and ability are not barriers to entry.

Several sub-categories exist – FIA ERC3, FIA ERC4, FIA Junior ERC – and points are allocated to reward more drivers more often.  The FIA European Rally Championship for Teams is also up for grabs in 2023. 

The 2023 season marks the second year of WRC Promoter GmbH’s tenure as promoter, which ensures the ERC boasts the same level of coverage and exposure as the FIA World Rally Championship. This means fans across the globe can experience the excitement and drama with every stage of every rally broadcast live on WRC+ and the new Rally.tv platform.

Four events on asphalt and four on gravel will challenge the ERC drivers and their teams, while the championship is delighted to benefit from the support and participation of four official tyre partners, Hankook, Michelin, MRF and Pirelli with Hankook the newly-appointed official tyre supplier to the FIA Junior ERC Championship, which gets underway on ORLEN 78th Rally Poland in May and is made up of six rounds.