What Is 2018 FIA World Rally Championship-2

Overview

The 2018 FIA World Rally Championship-2 (WRC2) served as the secondary tier of competition within the FIA World Rally Championship, designed for privateer teams and drivers using Rally2 (formerly R5) specification cars. It provided a competitive platform for emerging talents and experienced drivers outside the factory-supported World Rally Car entries.

Running parallel to the main WRC series, WRC2 awarded its own drivers', co-drivers', and teams' championships across 13 designated rallies. The 2018 season saw close competition, culminating in a decisive victory for Andreas Mikkelsen, who clinched the title at Rally Catalunya.

• Andreas Mikkelsen won the 2018 WRC2 Drivers' Championship, driving a Škoda Fabia R5 for Škoda Motorsport.
• The championship included 13 rallies, starting with Rallye Monte Carlo in January and ending with Wales Rally GB in November.
• Yohan Rossel finished second in the standings, just 14 points behind Mikkelsen after a tight season-long battle.
• WRC2 regulations required the use of R5 or Rally2 homologated cars, including models like the Ford Fiesta R5 and Hyundai i20 R5.
• Škoda Motorsport claimed the Teams' Championship, outperforming private entries from Citroën and Ford-backed squads.

How It Works

WRC2 operates under FIA regulations that define eligibility, scoring, and car specifications to ensure competitive balance among private and semi-works teams. Points are awarded based on stage finishes within each rally, with only the top seven results counting toward the final tally.

• Eligible Cars: Only Rally2 (R5) specification vehicles homologated by the FIA were permitted, ensuring parity across entries.
• Scoring System: Drivers earned points based on overall rally position, with 25 for first, 18 for second, down to 1 for tenth.
• Championship Format: Competitors entered a minimum of seven rallies, with their best seven results counted toward the final score.
• Driver Categories: WRC2 included both Pro and Amateur classifications, though the 2018 title was open to all registered entries.
• Co-Drivers: Each driver had a co-driver, and separate co-drivers' standings were maintained throughout the season.
• Team Entries: Teams like Škoda Motorsport and M-Sport Ford fielded multiple cars, with best two finishes contributing to team points.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top contenders in the 2018 WRC2 Drivers' Championship based on final standings and performance highlights.

The table highlights how consistency, rather than just wins, determined the champion. Mikkelsen’s three victories, combined with six podium finishes, gave him the edge over Rossel, who had fewer top finishes despite strong performances in Monte Carlo and Spain.

Why It Matters

WRC2 plays a critical role in developing rally talent and promoting manufacturer competition at a cost-controlled level. It serves as a proving ground for drivers aiming to step up to the top-tier WRC category.

• Development Pathway: WRC2 acts as a stepping stone for drivers like Kalle Rovanperä and Oliver Solberg before joining factory WRC teams.
• Manufacturer Exposure: Brands like Škoda, Ford, and Hyundai use WRC2 to showcase performance and reliability of their Rally2 models.
• Cost Control: Rally2 regulations limit spending compared to WRC, making the series more accessible to private teams and national champions.
• Global Reach: The 2018 calendar spanned 10 countries, from Monte Carlo to Australia, promoting international participation.
• Technical Innovation: Rally2 cars feature 1.6L turbocharged engines and advanced aerodynamics, influencing production-based performance vehicles.
• Fan Engagement: WRC2 events run alongside WRC, increasing event duration and spectator value for rally fans worldwide.

By balancing competition and affordability, the 2018 WRC2 championship reinforced its role as a vital component of the global rallying ecosystem, contributing to both sporting excellence and manufacturer development.