With all of the rally series run around the world, how do most factory teams that run in the WRC find drivers? Many come out of the one makes and Super 1600 series of course, but how big a part does Group N play in the proccess? I've noticed Subaru gets some milage out of their Group N program in terms of training drivers. Now, does Ford and Pug actually gain much in terms of potential WRC drivers? I'm intrested in some info. since I've not followed the sport closely for very long.

They sometime scout in regional and national championships too. Mitsubishi, is conducting tests with about 4 young up and coming drivers, but this is not usually how it is done.

If a driver has potential, then he will sometimes be given a 3 (or 5 or whatever) drive contract. If they do well, there is a posibility of a full season contract.

Then again, you can always find holes in someones contract and snatch them from the competition, like what SWRT did with Solberg :)

Originally posted by Kitsune
With all of the rally series run around the world, how do most factory teams that run in the WRC find drivers?

Step 1: Go to Finland.
Step 2: Repeat. :)


Seriously, though, the national one-make series (such as the 206 Challenge in the UK) are good starting points, and the JWRC will surely provide many of the future stars - this series has already secured Loeb his works WRC drive. The new PCWRC for Group N cars should also provide a stepping stone into the big league for up-and-coming drivers.