The second edition of the Central European Rally (CER) is set to take place from October 17th to 20th, marking the penultimate round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship. With top drivers like Thierry Neuville, Sébastien Ogier, and Ott Tänak battling through 18 challenging stages, fans can expect thrilling action as the title race reaches its final stages.
The Central European Rally (CER) is set to return for its second edition from 17th to 20th October, and anticipation is high following the release of the official entry list. The rally, the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), will feature top drivers battling through 18 special stages between Prague and Passau, as they push towards the season’s climax. Leading the charge will be Belgian duo Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe in their Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid, holding a commanding position at the top of the WRC standings. Hot on their heels are teammates Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja (EST), while Toyota’s Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais (FRA) and Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin (GBR) will also be in action, ensuring a fierce competition.
In the WRC2 and WRC3 categories, local fans can look forward to exciting battles, especially as strong German and Czech teams seek to make their mark on the international stage. Germany’s reigning rally champion Marijan Griebel (Skoda Fabia RS) and FIA Masters Cup champion Armin Kremer (Skoda Fabia RS) will represent the home front. The trio of current and former German rally champions is completed by Hermann Gassner Jr., who will take to the course in a WRC3 Renault Clio Rally3. With additional action expected from the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, for which entry lists are yet to be revealed, fans have much to look forward to in this highly anticipated event.
Before the rallying world descends on Central Europe, the WRC teams will compete at Rally Chile from 26th to 29th September. The results from Chile will shape the championship standings heading into the CER. Thierry Neuville remains best placed to begin the CER as the championship leader, but he faces strong competition from within his own Hyundai team, especially from Ott Tänak and Andreas Mikkelsen. Mikkelsen, who last competed in Poland, is eager to get back on the asphalt. “I will prepare by competing in Rally2 at a small rally in Italy to get back to the specific conditions,” said Mikkelsen, expressing his excitement for the upcoming event.
Toyota’s four-car entry, headlined by Sébastien Ogier in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, adds further firepower to the competition. The Frenchman noted that the starting position could be crucial, especially in the unpredictable, potentially wet and slippery autumn conditions. “The start position will play a big role,” said Ogier. “It would be great for everyone if the title race remains close; then we can all look forward to an amazing rally.”
Meanwhile, Adrien Fourmaux, driving for Ford, remains optimistic despite being slightly behind in the title race. He returns to the CER after winning his class in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 last year, and this time he aims to compete at the top level with the Ford Puma Rally1. “The three-country concept offers plenty of variety,” said Fourmaux, reflecting on the unique appeal of the rally, which spans Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
The WRC2 field, boasting 17 teams, promises to be highly competitive. Oliver Solberg (Skoda) of Sweden, who has had a stellar season, is looking forward to tackling the CER’s unique challenges, despite it being his first time at the event. “Although the last time I raced on asphalt was at the season-opener in Monte Carlo, I want to show that I can compete at the very front on all surfaces,” said Solberg. His Citroën counterpart, Yohan Rossel (FRA), is equally optimistic about his chances on the asphalt stages, hoping to recreate the fan-filled spectacle of last year.
For German fans, the WRC2 category will provide a rare opportunity to see two of the nation’s rallying heroes in action. Armin Kremer, a three-time DRM champion and European Championship winner, will be chasing his sixth consecutive victory at the CER. Meanwhile, newly crowned German rally champion Marijan Griebel is excited to test his skills against the world’s best. “It is great to take on the best teams in the world as reigning champions in front of our home crowd,” said Griebel.
In WRC3, Hermann Gassner Jr., the 2009 German rally champion, will relish the chance to compete in front of a local audience. With his new all-wheel drive Renault Clio Rally3, Gassner is ready for the challenge ahead. “This rally is very special for us,” he said. “As a Bavarian, I almost like the tricky stages in the Czech Republic even more than those in my homeland.”
As the CER approaches, rally fans across Europe and beyond are set for a thrilling few days of racing, with the competition in both WRC and WRC2 intensifying as drivers and teams push for supremacy. With the championship on the line and local heroes in the mix, the Central European Rally promises an action-packed spectacle.
