The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the WRC Promoter have unveiled the 2027 FIA Junior WRC Championship calendar alongside changes designed to make the championship more accessible and strengthen its role as a development pathway for the next generation of rally drivers.

The 2027 Junior WRC season will be contested across five European rounds, marking a significant step towards reducing the financial and logistical demands of competing at international level. With all five events taking place in Europe, the revised calendar will help limit travel and transportation costs for competitors, while maintaining a diverse range of surfaces and conditions to test and develop emerging rally talent.

The championship will begin on the snow and ice of Rally Sweden before moving to the asphalt stages of Croatia Rally. Rally d'Italia will host the third round of the season, followed by the high-speed gravel roads of Rally Finland, before the championship concludes at Rally Scotland.

Alongside the revised calendar, the FIA and WRC Promoter have introduced a significantly expanded prize package for the 2027 Junior WRC Champion, who will receive a seven-round WRC2 program for the 2028 season. Increased from four events in previous editions, the prize will provide the winning driver with an enhanced opportunity to gain experience and establish themselves at the next level of international rallying.

The expanded prize represents further investment in junior rallying and reinforces the Junior WRC's position as a key stepping stone towards WRC2 and, ultimately, the highest level of the FIA World Rally Championship.

In addition, Hankook will provide an allocation of free tires to Junior WRC competitors throughout the 2027 season, helping to reduce one of the principal costs associated with competing in the championship.

Building on Hankook's existing involvement in the FIA World Rally Championship, the initiative will provide additional financial support to emerging drivers, making international rallying more accessible to up-and-coming crews.

The sporting format will also be revised for 2027, with changes designed to reward consistent performance and maintain a competitive championship battle throughout the season.

While points from all five rallies will contribute towards the Championship standings, each crew's best four event results will count towards the final classification. Participation in the final round at Rally Scotland will be compulsory for crews to qualify for the Championship classification.

The previous double-points format for the season finale will also be removed, with Rally Scotland awarding standard Championship points in line with the other four rounds.

Together, these changes will further strengthen Junior WRC’s position as the world's premier development championship for emerging rally talent, says the FIA.

Learn more on the FIA release.