The 2023 World Rally Championship season kicks off this weekend with the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Championship Rundown
With Rallye Monte-Carlo only being the first event of the season nobody has any championship points. Thus meaning everyone starts on an even footing. Rallye Monte-Carlo will still be a competitive rally, however. As all the drivers will be looking to gain an early points lead. Which could become critical later on in the season.
Toyota Gazoo World Rally Team
The Toyota Gazoo World Rally Team will come into the season looking to take home their third consecutive manufacturers title. Leading the charge this weekend for Toyota will once again be Elfyn Evans and reigning WRC Champion Kalle Rovanperä. Joining Rovanperä and Evans will be Takamoto Katsuta and eight-time Rallye Monte-Carlo winner Sebastien Ogier.
Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team
The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team will look slightly different this year. As Thierry Neuville will still lead the charge for Hyundai. However, there will be no Ott Tänak fighting with Neuville. Instead, Esapekka Lappi will take over Tänak’s spot. Joining Neuville and Lappi will be Dani Sordo. Lappi has not raced at Rallye Monte-Carlo since the 2020 season where he would place fourth. Neuville would place sixth at the event last season. Sordo would place fifth at the event in 2021.
M-Sport Ford World Rally Team
Much like Hyundai, the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team will have a different look this season. As Ott Tänak will now be leading the team into battle, alongside Pierre-Louis Loubet. Joining Tänak and Loubet will be Jordan Serderidis. Tänak has retired from the last three Rallye Monte-Carlo’s he’s competed in. The last time Tänak would finish the event came in 2019 when he placed third. Loubet has never raced at Rallye Monte-Carlo.
A Loeb-less Monte-Carlo
Eight-time Rallye Monte-Carlo winner Sebastien Loeb, unfortunately, won’t be competing this weekend. Loeb hasn’t found a place to drive yet this season, but will likely find one soon. Loeb was seemingly pushed out of M-Sport to make room for Tänak.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
