Kenyans miss out on 2024 record Junior WRC entry list

This season welcomes the largest FIA Junior World Rally Championship (WRC) line-up in two decades with an astonishing 19 crews registered for the 2024 season-opening Rally Sweden.

 The mega entry list includes crews from across five continents representing 21 different nationalities, all of whom will pilot identical Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evos exclusively equipped with Pirelli tyres and Wolf Lubricants. Of the 19-strong field, a whopping 13 are newcomers.

However, unlike in 2023 when Kenya had representation through Hamza Anwar and the year before through Mcrae Kimathi, the country will have no representative in the global competition reserved for drivers under the age of 29 who have nit participated in the WRC main classes. 

Entrants are chosen by the global governing body, FIA and supported by M-Sport, all driving the same car provided for and serviced by the manufacturer. 

Action begins next month on the snow and ice of SSweden from 15 to 18 February before the Tarmac twists of the Croatia RRallyslated for 18 to 21 April. Gravel fixtures in Italy (30 May – 2 June), Finland (1 – 4 August) and Greece (5 – 8 September) round out the season.

Handball: Kenya out of World Championship contention

Wolf Stage Wins will once again be a unique aspect of the championship with a single championship point awarded for every stage win in 2024. Double classification points will also be on offer at the season-ending EKO Acropolis Rally Greece for drivers who enter at least three Junior WRC rallies in 2024.

 Up for grabs is a life-changing prize comprising an arrive and drive package to contest four European rounds of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, the natural progression from Junior WRC. The champion will also have the option to compete in two additional European rounds at a subsidised rate.

 Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager, said: “The number of entries we received this year exceeded our expectations. This remarkable turnout not only underscores the Junior WRC’s strong appeal, but also highlights its global significance and its role as a key platform for emerging rally talent. 

All of this is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the whole Junior WRC and M-Sport Poland team and, without them, none of this would be possible.

The international representation and the results seen in 2023 affirm that the Fiesta Rally3 Evo is an excellent car for young drivers. Now we look forward to some more great action and exciting battles in 2024!”

The FIA Junior WRC class of 2024 has the likes of Nataniel Bruun (BOL) navigated by Pablo Olmos (ARG). At just 18 years old, Bruun is the youngest driver in the FIA Junior WRC field. He has rallied a Kia Rio Proto extensively in his native Bolivia and posted a top-three stage time on his FIA Junior WRC debut in Greece last year.

Others include Eamonn Kelly (IRL) / Conor Mohan (IRL) who graduated to FIA Junior WRC in 2023 having claimed the Junior British Rally Championship title the previous year.

Diego Dominguez (PRY) / Rogelio Peñate (ESP) is one of the most experienced drivers in the field. He celebrated podium finishes on four out of five events in 2023, finished runner-up to William Creighton, falling short of the title by just eight points.

Additional information by WRC