With an enhanced prize package, a streamlined structure and a new opening-round venue, the prospects for the upcoming campaign are extremely exciting indeed.
Having operated a two-tier format based on driver age and car performance since 2017, there will be one level only from this season with the focus on providing young stars in Pirelli-equipped Rally4 and Rally5 cars the perfect platform to build their experience and impress on the international stage.
As well as the opportunity to go up against career-orientated drivers on six international-level events, the 2022 champion can look forward to one of the most lucrative prizes in junior motorsport.
If the title winner competes in a Ford Fiesta Rally4 they will get a prize drive in the full five-event FIA Junior WRC Championship in 2023 plus a full day of pre-season training at the John Haughland Rally School in Norway.
Should the Junior ERC champion use a car from another brand to take the coveted title then a four-round Junior WRC prize drive awaits them in 2023.
The prize package* is being supported by M-Sport Poland, Pirelli, WRC Promoter and the FIA. Junior ERC drivers must be 27 or under at the start of the year to be eligible.
Iain Campbell, the ERC manager, explained: “Junior ERC is a vital component of the FIA European Rally Championship and has performed a significant role in providing a step up from national to international level for a vast array of young drivers since it was launched to great acclaim in 2014.
“At the same time, Junior ERC has also equipped these drivers with the skills needed to take the next step of their careers.
“The prize package, which is supported by M-Sport Poland, Pirelli, the FIA and WRC Promoter, reflects the enormous importance placed on Junior ERC and the need to help young drivers progress.
“In just over a month from now the next crop of Junior ERC stars will take to the demanding asphalt stages of Rally Islas Canarias with potential future WRC aces amongst them. It’s an exciting time for Junior ERC and the development of young international rally drivers in general when you also consider the work of the FIA through its FIA Rally Sporting Pyramid and FIA Rally Star talent-detection initiative.”
Rally Islas Canarias opens the FIA Junior ERC Championship schedule for the first time from 12-14 May, one of three planned Tarmac rallies for 2022 alongside events on gravel to provide drivers with crucial experience on both surfaces. It will also be only the third time that an asphalt event has opened the Junior ERC schedule. Rally Poland, Rally Liepāja, Rally di Roma Capitale, Barum Czech Rally Zlín, plus one additional event will make up the remainder of the calendar.
The list of Junior ERC graduates to have achieved success in the FIA World Rally Championship is vast and includes Emil Bergkvist, Erik Cais, Jan Cerny, Jean-Baptiste Franceschi, Jari Huttunen, Nikolay Gryazin, Chris Ingram, Tom Kristensson, Stéphane Lefebvre, Grégoire Munster and Martins Sesks.
*Event travel, accommodation, recce costs, own sponsor decals in addition to the livery promoting the Junior ERC prize drive, insurance excess and personal accident and repatriation insurance are not included in the prize package.
Finland
Italy
Hungary