What is the W2RC Championship?
- Sven Syfrig
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
What is the W2RC Championship?
The World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) is the official world championship for rally-raid racing, where drivers and teams compete in some of the toughest off-road terrains on the planet. This series was created to unify the best long-distance rallies under one championship, featuring five elite events where cars, motorcycles, quads, and lightweight prototypes battle for the title.
Sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the W2RC brings together the top rally-raid competitors, including Dakar winners and seasoned desert racers.
The W2RC 2025 Calendar: Five Epic Races Across Three Continents
The W2RC 2025 season once again promises intense competition on the world’s most spectacular off-road courses. These five events will take participants through deserts, mountains, rocky plains, and technically demanding routes. Here’s the full race calendar:
1. Dakar Rally (Saudi Arabia) – January 3 to 17, 2025
The season kicks off with the toughest and most famous off-road race in the world – the Dakar Rally. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, the Dakar has delivered the perfect mix of endless dunes, fast tracks, and complex navigation. This rally is the ultimate adventure and a crucial event in the championship battle.
2. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (United Arab Emirates) – February 21 to 27, 2025
Following Dakar, the rally caravan moves to the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Known for its towering sand dunes and extreme temperatures, this rally demands precise navigation and controlled riding to succeed.
3. South African Safari Rally (South Africa) – May 18 to 24, 2025
A new addition to the W2RC calendar, the South African Safari Rally, makes its debut in 2025. For the first time, South Africa will host a world championship rally, featuring diverse landscapes ranging from open savannahs to technical river crossings. This rally promises breathtaking scenery and fierce competition.
4. BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal (Portugal) – September 22 to 28, 2025
After the summer break, the championship returns to Europe. Portugal’s rally-raid event offers a thrilling mix of fast gravel roads, tight forest trails, and steep climbs. The rapidly changing terrain presents a unique challenge, requiring adaptability and skill.
5. Rallye du Maroc (Morocco) – October 10 to 17, 2025
The grand finale of the W2RC 2025 takes place in Morocco. The Rallye du Maroc is not just a decisive championship race but also the perfect warm-up for the following year’s Dakar Rally. Featuring a combination of rocky trails and vast sand dunes, this event is a true highlight of the season.
A Season of Challenges and Adventure
W2RC 2025 offers not only top-level racing but also incredible stories of bravery, strategy, and endurance. The world’s best drivers will battle for crucial championship points while conquering some of the most extreme conditions in motorsport.
From the relentless heat of the desert to Europe’s rugged tracks, the W2RC remains the ultimate test for those who love rally-raid racing. Who will claim the crown in 2025? The upcoming races will reveal all!
Comments