2021 World Rally Championship#Entries

File:WRC2021.png

The 2021 championship was contested over twelve rounds in Europe and Africa:

The following rounds were included on the original calendar published by WRC Promoter GmbH, but were later cancelled:

With the addition of Rally Chile to the calendar in 2019, the FIA opened the tender process for new events to join the championship in 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-11|title=FIA announces World Motor Sport Council decisions|work=fia.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|date=12 October 2018|access-date=12 October 2018}} Three events were successful,{{efn|Rally New Zealand was successful in its bid to join the championship, but was cancelled because of the pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/new-zealands-2020-wrc-return-off/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/new-zealands-2020-wrc-return-off/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=New Zealand's 2020 WRC return off|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=4 June 2020|access-date=4 June 2020}}{{cbignore}} It was not included on the 2021 calendar, but a separate, later bid from Rally Croatia was also successful.}} but the championship was affected by a series of cancellations in 2019 and 2020 that necessitated changes to the 2021 calendar:

• Rally Catalunya returned to the championship. The rally was removed from the 2020 schedule as part of an event-sharing agreement that would see it removed from the calendar for one year, but was guaranteed a spot on the calendar for the next two. The rally returned to running exclusively on tarmac roads for the first time since {{WRC|2009}}.{{Cite web|url=https://dirtfish.com/calendar/rally-spain/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://dirtfish.com/calendar/rally-spain/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Rally Spain|work=dirtfish.com|access-date=9 January 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{efn|Rally Catalunya had previously been run as a mixed surface rally, with the first leg of the event held on gravel roads and the final two legs on tarmac.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/catalunya-to-run-mixed-surface-stage-4438499/4438499/|title=Catalunya to run mixed-surface stage|first=David|last=Evans|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=20 May 2010|access-date=25 May 2021}}}}

File:Acr2011 641.jpg of Greece returned to the championship for the first time since {{WRC|2013}}.]]

• Rally Chile was due to return after a one-year absence. The rally had been included on the original draft of the 2020 calendar, but was later cancelled in the face of ongoing civil unrest in the country.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147405/rally-chile-cancelled-due-to-political-unrest|title=WRC's 2020 Rally Chile cancelled due to political and social unrest|first=David|last=Evans|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=29 November 2019|access-date=31 December 2019|quote=Rally Chile's Felipe Horta said: 'The decision was to wait a year to take the world championship. We have talked with the FIA and the WRC [Promoter] in Germany, where they have fortunately understood very favourably what is happening and are allowing us to cancel the 2020 date and resume the contract we have established for three years.'}} Organisers of the event negotiated a return to the calendar for the 2021 championship, but it was again cancelled due to continued travel and other restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Acropolis Rally replaced the rally after a seven-year absence on the calendar.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/acropolis-rally-returns-to-wrc-for-the-first-time-since-2013/5918965/|title=Acropolis Rally returns to WRC for the first time since 2013|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=26 March 2021|access-date=27 March 2021}}
• Rally Croatia made its championship debut, replacing Rally Mexico. Croatia thus became the 34th country to host a World Rally Championship round. It was based in Zagreb, and ran on tarmac roads.
• Rally Deutschland was removed from the calendar. The event had planned to run in 2020, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|title=Rally Germany cancelled as Italian WRC round moves to avoid Imola F1 clash|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/151671/rally-germany-cancelled-as-italy-changes-date|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=26 August 2020|access-date=27 December 2020}} It was not included on the 2021 calendar.
• The Rallies of Finland and Portugal also returned to the championship after a one-year absence. The 2020 events were cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/no-neste-rally-finland-for-2020/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/no-neste-rally-finland-for-2020/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=No Neste Rally Finland for 2020|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=3 June 2020|access-date=3 June 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/06/09/rally-gb-cancelled/|title=Rally GB cancelled|first=Dan|last=Herrero|work=speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|date=9 June 2020|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128081934/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/06/09/rally-gb-cancelled/|url-status=dead}}

File:RY Ypres action 1.jpg's debut made Belgium the 35th nation to hold a World Rally Championship event.]]

• Rally GB was replaced by the Ypres Rally in Belgium.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154497/uk-loses-2021-slot-as-belgium-added-to-calendar|title=UK loses 2021 WRC calendar slot to inaugural Belgian round|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=8 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021}} Rally GB had originally planned to move from Wales to Northern Ireland, but the event was replaced when organisers were unable to come to an agreement with the government of Northern Ireland to support the rally.
• Rally Japan was scheduled to return to the calendar for the first time since {{WRC|2010}}, but it was ultimately called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rally was also originally included on the 2020 calendar, but was also cancelled because of the pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/151507/belgium-gets-wrc-round-after-rally-japan-axed |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/151507/belgium-gets-wrc-round-after-rally-japan-axed |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Belgium gets WRC round for the first time after Rally Japan axed|first=Jamie|last=Klein|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=19 August 2020|access-date=19 August 2020}}{{cbignore}} Rally Monza was confirmed to hold the season finale for the second year in a row.
• The Safari Rally was run as a World Championship event for the first time since {{WRC|2002}}. The event was based in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and featured stages around Lake Naivasha.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2019/kenya-rally-2020-wrc/page/6692--12-12-.html|title=Safari back in 2020|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 September 2019|access-date=28 September 2019}} The event had been planned to make its return to the championship in 2020, but was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|title=WRC News: Kenya's Safari Rally cancelled due to coronavirus|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/149453/safari-rally-wrc-event-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus|first=Rachit|last=Thukral|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=15 May 2020|access-date=16 May 2020}}

File:Kimi-tunturi10-ss8-03.png became the first World Rally Championship round to be held inside the Arctic Circle.]]

• Rally Sweden was included on the first draft of the calendar with its traditional February date,{{cite web|url=https://rallysweden.com/en/the-race/|title=The rally|work=rallysweden.com|publisher=Rally Sweden|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=30 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130100524/http://acm.mc/en/edition/rallye-monte-carlo-edition-2019/|url-status=dead}} but was cancelled before the start of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|title=WRC announces 2021 Rally Sweden cancellation|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154210/wrc-announces-2021-rally-sweden-cancellation|first=Rachit|last=Thukral|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=15 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/rally-sweden-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/rally-sweden-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Rally Sweden cancelled|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=15 December 2020|access-date=15 December 2020}}{{cbignore}} The Arctic Rally in northern Finland was chosen as a replacement to ensure that a winter rally was included on the calendar.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154570/wrc-adds-arctic-rally-finland-to-2021-calendar|title=WRC adds Arctic Rally Finland to 2021 calendar as Sweden replacement|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=14 January 2021|access-date=14 January 2021}}{{efn|The Arctic Rally was held twice during the 2021 calendar year. The first running in January was part of the Finnish Rally Championship and the second running in February was the World Championship round.{{cite news|url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/events/104/|title=Arctic Rally|work=ewrc-results.com|access-date=15 January 2021}}}}

In light of the disruption caused by the pandemic in 2020 and in anticipation of further delays, the calendar included an additional six reserve rounds that could be included in the event of rallies being cancelled. These events include rallies in Turkey, Argentina and Latvia.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154344/fia-quite-confident-rally-monte-carlo-will-go-ahead|title=FIA "quite confident" 2021 WRC opener in Monte Carlo will go ahead|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=24 December 2020|access-date=26 December 2020}} The Ypres Rally had also been included on this reserve list before it replaced Rally GB, so as the Acropolis Rally and Rally Monza.

{{Further|topic=non-World Rally Car competitors|2021 WRC2 Championship#Entries|2021 WRC3 Championship#Entries}}

Four teams from three manufacturers contested the 2021 World Rally Championship for Manufacturers, enlisting the following crews for each round as detailed. All crews use tyres provided by Pirelli.

The below crews are not entered to score manufacturer points and are entered in World Rally Cars as privateers or under arrangement with the manufacturers.

{{multiple image

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|image1 = Esapekka Lappi - Rallye Mexico 2019.jpg

|image2 = Rajd Monte Carlo 2019 (cropped).jpg

|footer = Esapekka Lappi (left) moved to WRC2, allowing Adrien Fourmaux (right) to make his début with M-Sport Ford WRT.

}}

M-Sport Ford WRT only entered two full-time entries in 2021.{{cite web|title=Greensmith heads youthful M-Sport Ford line-up|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/greensmith-heads-youthful-m-sport-ford-line-up/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/greensmith-heads-youthful-m-sport-ford-line-up/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=6 January 2021|access-date=6 January 2021}}{{cbignore}} The first was crewed by Gus Greensmith and Elliott Edmondson, who contested selected rallies for the team in 2019 and 2020. Edmondson was later replaced by Chris Patterson.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/greensmith-bring-in-ex-solberg-meeke-co-driver-patterson/|title=Greensmith brings in ex-Solberg/Meeke co-driver Patterson|first=Luke|last=Barry|work=dirtfish.com|date=24 March 2021|access-date=25 March 2021}} Stuart Loudon became Greensmith's third co-driver of the season, when Patterson was absent in Sardinia for personal reasons.{{cite web|title=Preview – Rally Italia Sardegna|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-----rally-italia-sardegna/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-----rally-italia-sardegna/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=2 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021}}{{cbignore}} Greensmith and Patterson parted away after Rally de Catalunya as Patterson decided to retire from competition.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/greensmith-and-co-driver-patterson-to-part-after-spain/|title=Greensmith and co-driver Patterson to part after Spain|first1=Alasdair|last1=Lindsay|first2=Rob|last2=Hansford|work=dirtfish.com|date=24 March 2021|access-date=25 March 2021}} Jonas Andersson is confirmed to co-drive with Greensmith in the season finale.{{cite web|title=Andersson lands Greensmith co-driving slot for Monza|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/andersson-lands-greensmith-co-driving-slot-for-monza/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/andersson-lands-greensmith-co-driving-slot-for-monza/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=12 November 2021|access-date=13 November 2021}}{{cbignore}} The second car was shared by two crews; one made up of WRC2 graduates Adrien Fourmaux and Renaud Jamoul, while the other was led by Teemu Suninen, who was partnered by Mikko Markkula. However, Suninen announced that he quit from the team by mid season.{{cite web|title=Suninen calls time on M-Sport Ford career|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/suninen-calls-time-on-m-sport-ford-career/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/suninen-calls-time-on-m-sport-ford-career/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 August 2021|access-date=28 August 2021}}{{cbignore}} Fourmaux split away with Jamoul during the season.{{cite web|title=Fourmaux parts ways with co-driver Jamoul|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fourmaux-parts-ways-with-co-driver-jamoul/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fourmaux-parts-ways-with-co-driver-jamoul/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=15 September 2021|access-date=15 September 2021}}{{cbignore}} Alexandre Coria became Fourmaux's new co-driver.{{cite web|title=Fourmaux's new co-driver confirmed|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fourmaux-new-co-driver-confirmed/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fourmaux-new-co-driver-confirmed/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=17 September 2021|access-date=17 September 2021}}{{cbignore}} Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm, who drove for M-Sport in 2020, left the team. The two later joined WRC2 team Movisport.{{cite web|title=Lappi gears up for Arctic comeback|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc2/lappi-gears-up-for-arctic-comeback/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc2/lappi-gears-up-for-arctic-comeback/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=8 February 2021|access-date=8 February 2021}}{{cbignore}}

File:Thierry Neuville & Nicolas Gilsoul 2013-10-15 001.jpg (left) parted away with co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul (right) before the season started.]]

Hyundai retained the line-up of Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja.{{cite web|title=Tänak quits Toyota|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2019/tanak-hyundai/page/6797--12-12-.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2019/tanak-hyundai/page/6797--12-12-.html |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=31 October 2019|access-date=31 October 2019}}{{cbignore}} Thierry Neuville also retained with the team, but he ended his ten-year partnership with Nicolas Gilsoul.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2018/neuville-hyundai-contract/page/5722--12-12-.html|title=Neuville signs new Hyundai deal|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=12 September 2018|access-date=12 September 2018}} Martijn Wydaeghe became Neuville's new co-driver.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/breaking-neuville-parts-ways-with-gilsoul-in-shock-move/|title=Neuville parts ways with Gilsoul in shock move|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=15 January 2021|access-date=15 January 2021}} The team's third entry was shared between crews led by Dani Sordo and Craig Breen.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154075/hyundai-retains-sordo-and-breen-for-third-car-in-2021|title=Hyundai retains Sordo and Breen for its third car in 2021 WRC season|first=Jake|last=Boxall-Legge|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=9 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}} Sordo formed a new partnership with new co-driver Borja Rozada after the Monte Carlo Rally as Carlos del Barrio moved to co-drive with Fabrizio Zaldívar in the WRC3 category.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/sordo-announces-rozada-as-new-co-driver/|title=Sordo announces Rozada as new co-driver|first=Luke|last=Barry|work=dirtfish.com|date=28 December 2020|access-date=28 December 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/motor/rallies/2020/12/06/5fcce289e2704e4c2d8b45a0.html|title=Carlos del Barrio dejará de copilotar en 2021 a Dani Sordo|language=es|trans-title=Carlos del Barrio will stop co-driving with Dani Sordo in 2021|first=Nacho|last=Villarín|work=marca.com|publisher=Marca|date=6 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}} However, their partnership only lasted three rounds, with Cándido Carrera replaced Rozada.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/carrera-to-replace-rozada-in-sordo-co-driver-switch/|title=Carrera replaces Rozada in Sordo co-driver switch|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=23 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} Nine-time World Champion Sébastien Loeb left Hyundai to join Bahrain Raid Xtreme team in the 2021 Dakar Rally and Team X44 in the Extreme E electric rally raid series.{{cite web|title=Loeb open to Hyundai return|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/loeb-open-to-hyundai-return/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/loeb-open-to-hyundai-return/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=1 October 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55268901 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55268901 |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Lewis Hamilton's Extreme E team hires Sebastien Loeb and Cristina Gutierrez|first=Matt|last=Warwick|work=bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC|date=11 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}{{cbignore}} Tänak is confirmed to miss the season's finale for family reasons.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-tanak-to-miss-monza-finale/|title=Tänak to miss Monza finale|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=2 November 2021|access-date=2 November 2021}} Suninen, who left M-Sport and competed for Hyundai in the WRC2 category in Spain, replaced the Estonian in Monza.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/suninen-tests-after-hyundais-monza-call-up/|title=Suninen to test after Hyundai's Monza call-up|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=3 November 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}}

File:Oliver Solberg in 2021.jpg made his World Rally Car debut at the 2021 Arctic Rally Finland.]]

Hyundai's second team, Hyundai 2C Competition, entered an i20 Coupe WRC for Pierre-Louis Loubet and Vincent Landais at every round of the championship. Loubet and Landais had previously contested three events with the team in 2020.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/full-rally1-wrc-program-in-2021-for-loubet/|title=Full Rally1 WRC program in 2021 for Loubet|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=30 December 2020|access-date=30 December 2020}} Florian Haut-Labourdette later replaced Landais to co-drive with Loubet since Portugal.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/vodafone-rally-de-portugal-entry-list/|title=Vodafone Rally de Portugal: entry list|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=4 May 2021|access-date=5 May 2021}} However, Loubet's full-season programme was brought to an early end as he suffered a hip injury after being involving in a car accident.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/loubets-wrc-season-over-after-being-hit-by-car/|title=Loubet's WRC season over after being hit by car|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=8 October 2021|access-date=8 October 2021}} {{J-WRC|2017}} Junior WRC Champion Nil Solans made his top-tier debut in Spain as a replacement to the injured Loubet with Marc Martí.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/short-test-for-solans-ahead-of-top-tier-debut-in-spain/|title=Short test for Solans ahead of top-tier debut in Spain|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=8 October 2021|access-date=8 October 2021}} Oliver Solberg and Aaron Johnston made their World Rally Car debut at the Arctic Rally.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/solberg-to-make-world-rally-car-championship-debut/|title=Solberg to make World Rally Car championship debut|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=5 February 2021|access-date=6 February 2021}} However, Johnston was replaced by Sebastian Marshall at the weekend after testing positive for COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/solberg-makes-late-co-driver-swap-for-world-rally-car-debut/|title=Solberg makes late co-driver swap for World Rally Car debut|first=David|last=Evans|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=23 February 2021|access-date=24 February 2021}} Solberg announced later in the season that the partnership with Johnston ended.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc2/solberg-becomes-latest-driver-to-part-ways-with-co-driver/|title=Co-driver rotation continues|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=16 September 2021|access-date=17 September 2021}} American Rally Association champion Craig Drew took over the seat in Catalunya,{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc2/drew-joins-solberg-for-finland-speedfest/|title=Drew joins Solberg for Finland speedfest|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=24 September 2021|access-date=24 September 2021}} before Edmondson cooperated with Solberg in Monza.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/solberg-reveals-fourth-co-driver-of-2021-for-wrc-finale/|title=Solerg reveals fourth co-driver of 2021 for WRC finale|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=9 November 2021|access-date=9 November 2021}}

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|image1 = Rallye Deutschland 2017 (Latvala-0764).jpg

|image2 = Toyota Yaris WRC 2016-09-29 001 (cropped).jpg

|footer = Jari-Matti Latvala (left) replaced Tommi Mäkinen (right) to become the team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT.

}}

Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT was planned to introduce a new car based on the Toyota GR Yaris,{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/148164/toyota-begins-testing-2021-yaris-wrc|title=Toyota begins testing with 2021 GR Yaris WRC contender|first=Jack|last=Benyon|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=8 February 2020|access-date=8 February 2020}} an "homologation special", or road-going version of a car specifically designed for competition and with production limited to the minimum number required to meet homologation requirements.{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/torquecafe/toyotas-wrc-monster-for-the-road/|title=Toyota's WRC monster for the road|first=Stephen|last=Ottley|work=torquecafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|date=13 January 2020|access-date=11 January 2020}} However, the team later announced that it had abandoned development the GR Yaris, citing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the automotive industry and the costs of developing the car when new regulations were due to be introduced in {{WRC|2022}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/149976/toyota-will-not-debut-gr-yaris-in-wrc-2021|title=WRC News: Toyota decides against introducing GR Yaris for 2021|first1=Rachit|last1=Thukral|first2=Giacomo|last2=Rauli|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=15 June 2020|access-date=16 June 2020}} Tommi Mäkinen stepped down from Toyota's team principal to become the company's motorsport advisor.{{cite web|title=Toyoda's tribute to departing boss Mäkinen|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/toyoda---s-tribute-to-departing-boss-maekinen/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/toyoda---s-tribute-to-departing-boss-maekinen/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=14 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}{{cbignore}} Former driver Jari-Matti Latvala was named to succeed Mäkinen's role.{{cite web|title=Latvala named team principal|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/latvala-named-team-principal-at-toyota/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/latvala-named-team-principal-at-toyota/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=18 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}{{cbignore}}

Reigning World Drivers' Champion Sébastien Ogier announced that he would retire from full-time competition at the end of the 2020 championship,{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145120/ogier-2020-will-definitely-be-my-last-wrc-season|title=Sebastien Ogier says 2020 definitely his final World Rally season|first=David|last=Evans|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=1 August 2019|access-date=31 December 2019}} but his retirement was delayed when he renewed a one-year deal with Toyota.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/ogier-signs-new-deal-with-toyota/|title=Ogier signs new deal with toyota|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=20 November 2020|access-date=20 November 2020}} Ogier explained that his decision to stay in the sport was because the shortened 2020 championship was not how he wanted his career to end.{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/11/21/ogier-puts-off-retirement-with-new-toyota-deal/|title=Ogier puts off retirement with new Toyota deal|first=Daniel|last=Herrero|work=speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|date=21 November 2020|access-date=26 December 2020}} The team retained the pairings of Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin and of Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/november-2019/toyota-2020/page/6855--12-12-.html|title=Toyota reveals 2020 line-up|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 November 2019|access-date=27 November 2019}} Takamoto Katsuta and Daniel Barritt also remained with the team to contest a full-time campaign in a fourth car.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/katsuta-gets-full-2021-wrc-campaign-as-toyota-keeps-faith/|title=Katsuta gets full 2021 WRC Campaign as Toyota keeps faith|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=18 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}} Barritt missed several events following back and neck injuries suffered in Estonia.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/williams-to-co-drive-for-katsuta-in-belgium/|title=Williams to co-driver for Katsuta in Belgium|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=3 August 2021|access-date=18 August 2021}} Keaton Williams joined Katsuta as substitute co-driver in Greece before a family emergency forced him to withdraw from in the next two events.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/this-is-a-crazy-time-katsuta-on-wrc-co-driver-shuffle/|title="This is a crazy time" – Katsuta on WRC co-driver shuffle|first=David|last=Evans|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=21 September 2021|access-date=22 September 2021}} Johnston became Katsuta's third co-driver following the departure with Solberg,{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/johnston-joins-katsuta-for-finland/|title=Johnston joins Katsuta for Finland|website=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 September 2021|access-date=22 September 2021}} but soon succeeded by Edmondson in the following round.

File:Pirelli - logo full (Italy, 1997).svg became the official tyre supplier.]]

Pirelli returned as the championships' sole nominated tyre supplier after having done so between the 2008–10 seasons with the removal of Michelin and Yokohama.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147696/pirelli-wins-tyre-tender-to-supply-wrc-from-2021|title=Pirelli wins tyre tender to supply WRC top tier and R5s from 2021|first=David|last=Evans|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=20 December 2019|access-date=31 December 2019}} Under the terms of the agreement, Pirelli will supply tyres to all entrants of four-wheel drive cars.

The season saw the creation of the World Rally Championship for Teams, a new championship title that existed alongside the World Rally Championships for Drivers, Co-drivers and Manufacturers. A team taking part in the Teams' championship was able to only score points in a rally if a manufacturer competing with the same make of car had been entered into the event. Teams that competed in the Teams' championship were required to take part in a minimum of seven rallies, one of which had to be outside Europe to be eligible for the championship.

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that only seven of the thirteen events planned for the 2020 championship took place, the World Motorsport Council passed a resolution declaring that for the drivers', co-drivers' and manufacturers' championship titles to be awarded a minimum of six rallies must be held.

Manufacturers were awarded Power Stage bonus points for the first time. The scoring system remains the same as that used by drivers and co-drivers, with five points awarded for the fastest manufacturer car down to one point for the fifth quickest. Only the two fastest drivers from a single manufacturer are eligible to score.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/power-stage-points-extended-to-manufacturers--wrc2-and-wrc3/|title=Power Stage points extended to manufacturers, WRC2 and WRC3|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=17 December 2020|access-date=17 December 2020}}

The 2021 FIA World Rally Championship began in Monaco. The Hyundai crew of Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja took an early lead,{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/taenak-double-earns-rallye-monte-carlo-lead/|title=Tänak double earns rallye Monte-Carlo lead|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}} but their lead was wiped out when by a loss of power in hairpins.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-leads-monte-carlo-after-clean-sweep/|title=Ogier leads Monte-Carlo after clean sweep|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=22 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}} The Estonian pair's rally was further hampered by two punctures, which meant that they did not have enough rubber on one of their wheels for the car to be considered road legal. Unable to complete the liaison between special stages, Tänak and Järveoja were ruled out for the second consecutive year in Monte-Carlo.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154720/hyundai-cannot-be-proud-of-rally-monte-carlo-efforts|title=Hyundai "cannot be proud" of WRC Rally Monte Carlo efforts|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=24 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021}} The M-Sport crew of Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula also retired from the rally when they crashed out on the very first stage of the event.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/watch-big-roll-for-suninen-on-ss1/|title=Watch: big roll for Suninen on SS1|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}} Local heroes Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were the favourites for the weekend. Despite a flat tire that lost the lead to their teammates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin,{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/leader-evans-under-attack-from-monte-master-ogier/|title=Leader Evans under attack from Monte master Ogier|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=22 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}} the reigning world champions set fastest stage time after fastest stage time to regain the top spot and eventually won their eighth Monte Carlo victory, a new record for wins in Monte Carlo.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-ogier-claims-record-monte-carlo-victory/|title=Ogier claims record eighth Monte-Carlo victory|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=24 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}} They also became the first crew to win the rally with five different manufacturers. Evans and Martin finished second to complete a Toyota one-two. The Japanese manufacturer's party was further flourished by the dominance at the Power Stage, which saw them build a twenty-two-point lead over the reigning manufacturers' champions Hyundai. The prior year's victor, Thierry Neuville, joined them on the podium with his new co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe, whose first ever podium in the championship.

File:Oliver at the 2021 Arctic Rally.jpg was the first World Rally Championship event held inside the Arctic Circle.]]

The Arctic Rally Finland saw the championship first visiting inside the Arctic Circle, where local favourites Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen were determined to win their first WRC event.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154937/rovanpera-targeting-arctic-rally-finland-victory-bid|title=Rovanpera targeting WRC Arctic Rally Finland victory bid|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=7 February 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}} However, their ambition was spoiled by Tänak and Järveoja, who benefited from a greater road position. The former world champions demonstrated brilliant pace throughout the weekend, leading the event from start to finish to win their first rally of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/155276/tanak-pushing-hyundai-for-gains-in-arctic-rally-win|title=Tanak "pushing" Hyundai for improvements in Arctic Rally win|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=28 February 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}} Unable to match the speed of Tänak and Järveoja, Rovanperä and Halttunen were threatened by Neuville and Wydaeghe going onto the final day.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/tanak-stretches-arctic-rally-lead-amid-ogiers-despair/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/tanak-stretches-arctic-rally-lead-amid-ogiers-despair/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Tänak stretches Arctic Rally lead amid Ogier's despair|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 February 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}{{cbignore}} The battle for the runner-up spot would decide the championship leads. Eventually, the Finnish crew managed to edge the Belgian pair by 2.3 seconds as well as winning the Power Stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-sublime-tanak-wins-arctic-rally/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-sublime-tanak-wins-arctic-rally/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Tänak wins in the Arctic, Rovanperä grabs WRC lead|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=28 February 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}{{cbignore}} This was enough to ensure the twenty-year-old Rovanperä to become the youngest driver to lead the championship in the forty-nine-year history of the WRC. Reigning world champions Ogier and Ingrassia had a weekend to forget. The French crew went into a snowbank 200 meters from the flying finish on Saturday's final test, which took them twenty minutes to free themselves from.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/watch-ogier-off-on-saturdays-final-test/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/watch-ogier-off-on-saturdays-final-test/ |archive-date=2022-01-30 |url-status=live|title=Watch: Ogier crashes on Saturday's final test|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 February 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}{{cbignore}} They eventually limped home in twentieth place but did collect one consolation point form the Power Stage.

File:Croatia Rally 2021 - Adrien Fourmaux 2.jpg and Renaud Jamoul made their World Rally Car debut at the 2021 Croatia Rally.]]

The third round of the season saw the championship held in Croatia, the thirty-fourth country to host a WRC event.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-croatia-rally/|title=Preview – Croatia Rally|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} Rovanperä and Halttunen entered the rally as championship leaders, but they crashed out on the very first stage of the rally.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/watch-rovanpera-crashes-out-on-ss1/|title=Watch: Rovanperä crashed out on SS1|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=23 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} This gave Neuville and Wydaeghe a clean road, leading the rally onto Saturday.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/neuville-leads-in-croatia-as-rovanpera-crashes/|title=Neuville leads in Croatia as Rovanperä crashes|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=23 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} However, an incorrect tyre choice of hard and soft compound mixture plus brake issues on Saturday's morning loop saw them drop down to third.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-leads-in-croatia-as-neuville-suffers-torrid-morning/|title=Ogier leads in Croatia as Neuville suffers torrid morning|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=24 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} Ogier and Ingrassia became the new rally leaders, but a puncture meant their lead was limited to single-digits.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-leads-titanic-three-way-battle-into-croatia-rally-finale/|title=Ogier leads titanic three-way battle into Croatia rally finale|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=24 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} Ogier and Ingrassia snatched the victory and reclaimed the championship leads.{{cite news|date=25 April 2021|title=Ogier clinches stunning Croatia Rally win in nail-biting finale|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-ogier-grabs-dramatic-croatia-rally-win/|access-date=26 April 2021}} 0.6 second was the winning margin, making the rally the third closest win in history after the 2011 Jordan Rally and the 2007 Rally New Zealand.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-rally-croatia-ogier-recovers-to-beat-evans-to-victory-by-06s/6454406/|title=WRC Rally Croatia: Ogier recovers to beat Evans to victory by 0.6s|first=Nick|last=Garton|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=25 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} In addition to a full thirty championship points haul, the French pair also reached their 600th stage win milestone.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/ogier-learning-to-appreciate-stage-wins-after-reaching-600-at-rally-croatia/6423168/|title=Ogier "learning to appreciate" stage wins after reaching 600 at Rally Croatia|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=23 April 2021|access-date=23 April 2021}} With two 1–2 finishes in three rounds, Toyota held an early lead in the manufacturers' standings, twenty-seven points cleared of Hyundai. Adrien Fourmaux and Renaud Jamoul made their World Rally Car debut with M-Sport Ford this weekend.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fourmauxs-goal-is-to-finish-top-level-debut/|title=Fourmaux's goal is to finish top-level debut in Croatia|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}} They posted several top-five stage times to record a remarkable fifth place.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/m-sport-fourmaux-has-resemblance-to-ogier-after-rally-croatia-performance/6469465/|title=M-Sport: Fourmaux has "resemblance to Ogier" after Rally Croatia performance|first=Jason|last=Craig|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=26 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}}

Rally Portugal marked the championship returned to the gravel surface in over 200 days.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/video-unpacking-the-drama-of-the-rally-portugal-weekend/|title=Video: Unpacking the drama of the rally portugal|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=23 May 2021|access-date=24 May 2021}} Hyundai dominated the early stage of the rally, holding 1–2–3 after Friday's morning loop.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/sordo-leads-in-portugal-as-hyundai-dominates/|title=Sordo leads in Portugal as Hyundai dominates|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 May 2021|access-date=24 May 2021}} The situation was looking good for the South Korean manufacturer until Neuville and Wydaeghe damaged their rear-right suspension in a tight left-hander following an over-optimistic pacenote in the afternoon.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/tanak-swoops-to-lead-in-portugal-after-late-drama/|title=Tänak swoops to lead in Portugal after late drama|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 May 2021|access-date=24 May 2021}} Benefitting from their main rivals' retirements and a relative late road position, Evans and Martin won the rally, their first of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-evans-powers-to-portugal-victory/|title=Evans powers to Portugal victory|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=23 May 2021|access-date=24 May 2021}} Dani Sordo and new co-driver Borja Rozada completed the event second overall to bring their team valuable points after a disaster weekend for Hyundai, while Ogier and Ingrassia rounded out of the podium. Katsuta drove a clean and consistent rally, ensuring the Japanese driver a career-high fourth place.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-learned-from-2021-rally-portugal/|title=What we learned from 2021 Rally Portugal|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=21 May 2021|access-date=24 May 2021}}

The Sardinia island rally witnessed another catastrophic weekend for Hyundai. Despite a dominant performance on Friday, the crews of Tänak and Järveoja and of Sordo and Rozada retired from Saturday due to rear suspension damage.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-takes-rally-italy-lead-as-tanak-stops-on-ss12/|title=Ogier takes Rally Italy as Tänak stops on SS12|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=5 June 2021|access-date=6 June 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/sordo-loses-wheel-and-second-place-on-ss15/|title=Sordo loses wheel and second place on SS15|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=5 June 2021|access-date=6 June 2021}} Following Hyundai's double disasters, Ogier and Ingrassia took over the rally, with Evans and Martin covered second.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-clear-in-italy-after-tanak-nightmare/|title=Ogier clear in Italy after Tänak nightmare|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=5 June 2021|access-date=6 June 2021}} With another 1–2 finish, Toyota's lead over Hyundai extended to massive forty-nine points.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-wins-rally-italy-for-a-fourth-time/|title=Ogier wins Rally Italy for the fourth time|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=6 June 2021|access-date=7 June 2021}} Neuville and Wydaeghe were the only hope of Hyundai. The Belgian crew was struggling throughout the event and could only managed to finish third.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-ogier-seals-surprise-sardinia-success/|title=Ogier seals surprise Sardinia success|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=6 June 2021|access-date=7 June 2021}}

File:WRC Safari Rally 2021 (cropped 3).jpg failure denied Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe's victory in Kenya.]]

The Safari Rally in Kenya, Africa is renowned for impassable, hard to traverse, open, soft, bumpy, rocky and gravel roads.{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Wasike Shimanyula|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/historic-safari-rally-kicks-off-in-kenya/2284310|title=Historic Safari Rally kicks off in Kenya|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=24 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}} When the World Rally Championship returned to Kenya after nineteen years, nothing changed.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrcplus/safari-rally-kenya-preview-magazine/|title=Watch: Preview magazine Safari Rally Kenya|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=18 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}} Neuville and Wydaeghe retired from the lead on the final day with a suspension-collapsed issue.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-damages-car-and-lead-on-safaris-sunday-opener/|title=Neuville damages car and lead on Safari's Sunday opener|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=26 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}} This meant for the third consecutive rally, a Hyundai retired from the top spot.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/neuville-its-a-tough-time/|title=Neuville vows to bounce back|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 June 2021|access-date=28 June 2021}} Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta became the new rally leader afterwards, leading a WRC event for the first in his career,{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/katsuta-leads-wrc-event-for-first-time-on-safari/|title=Katsuta leads WRC event for first time on Safari|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=26 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}} but he and his co-driver Barritt were soon overhauled by a charging Ogier and Ingrassia, who were once down in seventh overall.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-takes-safari-lead-outright-with-one-stage-to-go/|title=Ogier takes Safari lead out right with one stage to go|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=26 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}} The French crew eventually won the eventful rally to wrap up their fourth victory of the season, and held a commanding lead of thirty-four points in the drivers' and co-drivers' championships heading into the second half of the season.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-extends-wrc-lead-with-safari-rally-kenya-victory/|title=Ogier extends WRC lead with Safari Rally Kenya victory|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=26 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}} Katsuta secured his WRC podium alongside Barritt, with Tänak and Järveoja rounded out of the podium.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-seizes-safari-success/|title=Ogier seizes Safari success after Neuville heartbreak|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=27 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}}

File:Ott Tänak Rally Estonia 2021.jpg and Martin Järveoja retired from Friday at their home event.]]

Halfway through the season, the championship's next stop was Rally Estonia.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/estonia-countdown-rally-route/|title=Estonia countdown – Rally route|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=13 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} Ahead of home crowds, local favourites Tänak and Järveoja were keen to repeat their success one year ago.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-rally-estonia/|title=Preview – Rally route|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=14 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} They initially led the rally,{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/tanak-takes-estonia-lead-with-victory-in-first-friday-stage/|title=Tänak takes Estonia lead with victory on first Friday stage|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=16 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} but double punctures on Friday's morning loop put them from heroes to zeroes as they run out of spare wheels.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/double-puncture-on-ss4-prompted-tanaks-retirement/|title=Double puncture on SS4 prompted Tänak's retirement|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=16 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/tanak-retires-from-rally-estonia/|title=Tänak retires from Raaly Estonia|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=16 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} Following Tänak and Järveoja's issue, Rovanperä and Halttunen took the lead.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/rovanpera-stretches-estonia-lead-with-stunning-ss5-win/|title=Rovanperä Stretches Estonia lead with stunning SS5 win|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=16 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} Having fended off the pursuit of Craig Breen and Paul Nagle,{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/rovanperae-fends-off-breen-in-fierce-fight/|title=Rovanperä fends off Breen in fierce fight|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=16 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} they claimed their maiden WRC win.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breaking-news-record-breaking-rovanpera-triumphs-in-estonia/|title=Record-breaking Rovanperä triumphs in Estonia|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=18 July 2021|access-date=18 July 2021}} At 20 years and 290 days, Rovanperä became the youngest driver to win a WRC event, breaking the previous record of 22 years and 313 days held by Jari-Matti Latvala.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-10-youngest-wrc-winners/|title=The 10 youngest WRC winners|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=19 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}} Breen and Nagle achieved their first podium of the season by finishing second, with teammates Neuville and Wydaeghe rounded out of the podium with their fifth third place.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breens-estonia-message-come-and-get-me-/|title=Breen's Estonia message: "Come and get me"|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=20 July 2021|access-date=24 July 2021}}

File:Kurve Eau Rouge-Raidillon.jpg was featured in Sunday's route of the rally.]]

The debut of Ypres Rally on the calendar meant Belgium became the thirty-fifth country to host a WRC event.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-----renties-ypres-rally-belgium/|title=Preview – Renties Ypres Rally Belgium|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=10 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}} The combination of bridle path and the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit proved to be relentless for competitors.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/belgium-countdown-rally-route/|title=Belgium countdown – Rally route|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=10 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}} Local experience was the key to success, which was why local heroes Neuville and Wydaeghe came out in front,{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/confident-neuville-closes-on-wrc-success-in-belgium/|title=Confident Neuville closes on WRC success in Belgium|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=14 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}} bagging an emotional home triumph.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-a-home-wrc-victory-means-to-neuville/|title=What a home WRC victory means to Neuville|first=David|last=Evans|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=16 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}} This was also the first career victory for Wydaeghe.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/qa-wydaeghe-on-taking-his-first-wrc-win-at-home/|title=Q&A: Wydaeghe on taking his first WRC win at home|first1=David|last1=Evans|first2=Colin|last2=Clark|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=15 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}} The only crew who can match their blistering pace were their teammates Breen and Nagle.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-learned-from-2021-ypres-rally/|title=What we Learned from 2021 Ypres Rally|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=16 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}} The Irish crew completed the weekend with another second place.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/breens-second-place-sends-message-to-suitors/|title=Breen's second place sends message to suitors|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=16 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}}

Greece gave the championship a warm welcome as the Acropolis Rally returned to the calendar after eight years.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-eko-acropolis-rally-greece/|title=Preview – EKO Acropolis Rally Greece|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=8 September 2021|access-date=13 September 2021}} Victory in the event belonged to Rovanperä and Halttunen, who steered out of trouble and bagged their second victory of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/masterful-rovanpera-bags-greece-win/|title=Masterful Rovanperä bags Greece win|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=12 September 2021|access-date=13 September 2021}} The result also saw Toyota extend their championship lead to a mighty fifty-seven points. With only three rounds to go, things were looking really promising for their championship bid.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/drivers-make-most-difference-in-toyota-hyundai-scrap-ogier/|title=Drivers make most difference in Toyota/Hyundai scrap – Ogier|first1=Colin|last1=Clark|first2=Luke|last2=Burry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=14 September 2021|access-date=25 September 2021}}

File:Elfyn Evans Rally Finland 2021 Vesala 03.jpg and Scott Martin during the event.]]

Rally Finland went ahead on the twenty-first birthday of Rovanperä, who was keen to win his home event.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/preview-----secto-automotive-rally-finland/|title=Preview – Secto Automotive Rally Finland|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=30 September 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} He and Halttunen were running in the front field until they hit with a large pile of gravel on Saturday morning.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/evans-muscles-past-hyundai-duo-to-lead-in-finland/|title=Evans muscles past Hyundai duo to lead in Finland|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=2 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} This caused significant damage to their Yaris, which led to their retirement from the day.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/rovanpera-out-of-rally-finland-after-striking-gravel-mound/|title=Rovanperä out of Rally Finland after striking gravel mound|first=Luke|last=Burry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=2 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} Katsuta and new co-driver Aaron Johnston also retired from the day when they ran too deep into a quick left-hander and clouted the bank on the right.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/katsuta-stops-on-second-saturday-finland-stage/|title=Katsuta stops on second Saturday Finland stage|first=Luke|last=Burry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=1 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} Neuville and Wydaeghe's slim title hopes were completely shattered when they stopped halfway through the second test of the Patajoki stage following a compression broke the radiator and caused a water leak.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/evans-super-saturday-earns-finland-lead/|title=Evans' super Saturday earns Finland lead|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=2 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} Championship leaders Ogier and Ingrassia were struggled for pace all the weekend, and a one-minute time penalty for not fastening crash helmet strap meant they were in a no men's land.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-gets-fine-and-penalty-for-repeat-of-helmet-strap-breach/|title=Ogier gets fine and penalty for repeat of helmet-strap breach|first=Luke|last=Burry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=2 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} Meanwhile, teammates Evans and Martin were out in front and ultimately won the rally as well as the Power Stage.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/bold-decisions-helped-evans-rediscover-his-brilliance/|title=Bold decisions helped Evans rediscover his brilliance|first=David|last=Evans|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=3 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}} The result saw Evans and Martin slashed the championship gap by a massive twenty points, trailing Ogier and Ingrassia by twenty-four points after the event.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/evans-secures-historic-finland-win/|title=Evans powers to momentous Rally Finland win|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=3 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}}

Although Neuville and Wydaeghe lost any chance to clinch the world titles coming into the event, they completely dominated the Spain tarmac, winning a total of ten special stages to grab their second victory of the season after overcoming a late starter motor problem.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-happened-in-neuvilles-last-gasp-spain-scare/|title=What happened in Neuville's last-gasp Spain scare|first=Ida|last=Wood|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=18 October 2021|access-date=18 October 2021}} Evans and Martin kept their title hopes alive as they outscored championship leaders Ogier and Ingrassia.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/was-wrc-rally-spain-a-triumph-or-a-missed-chance-for-evans/|title=Was Spain a triumph or a missed chance for Evans?|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=17 October 2021|access-date=18 October 2021}} The French crew was looking good to achieve a podium finish till an engine stall at Saturday's final test erased their gap over local heroes Sordo and Cándido Carrera and eventually got overhauled on Sunday morning.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/neuville-masterclass-distances-rivals-in-spain/|title=Neuville masterclass distances rivals in Spain|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=16 October 2021|access-date=18 October 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/sordo-stage-win-puts-him-past-ogier-for-third/|title=Sordo stage win puts him past Ogier for third|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=17 October 2021|access-date=18 October 2021}} Katsuta and Johnston's hope of a good result was gone at the very first stage when their Yaris understeered into the barrier at the opening stage of Friday.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/watch-katsuta-crashes-out-on-ss1/|title=Watch: Katsuta retires early in Spain|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=15 October 2021|access-date=18 October 2021}}

The championship was down to the wire as the season finale was again held at Monza.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/title-duel-can-the-underdog-topple-the-master-/|title=Title duel: Can the underdogs topple the masters?|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=16 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} Holding a healthy lead in the championship standings, championship leaders Ogier and Ingrassia immediately took the lead.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-in-command-at-monza-title-showdown/|title=Ogier in command at Monza title showdown|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=19 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} Title rivals Evans and Martin passed Ogier and Ingrassia by the end of the first day, but soon lost it back to the French crew in the following morning loop.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fighting-evans-heads-ogier-in-title-thriller/|title=Fighting Evans heads Ogier in title thriller|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=19 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} The top spot changed hands repeatedly.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-on-verge-of-eighth-wrc-title/|title=Ogier on verge of eighth WRC title|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=20 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} Eventually, Ogier and Ingrassia came out on top, winning their fifth rally of the season to bag their eighth world titles.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/awesome-eight-for-ogier/|title=Breaking news: awesome eight for Ogier|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=21 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} Sordo and Carrera rounded out of the podium after teammates Neuville and Wydaeghe spun into traffic barrier on Saturday.{{cite news|url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-loses-podium-spot-to-crash-evans-back-in-lead/|title=Neuville loses podium spot to crash, Evans back in lead|first=Luke|last=Barry|website=dirtfish.com|publisher=DirtFish|date=20 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} Manufacturer-wise, Toyota won a total of nine victories out of twelve in comparison to Hyundai's three, which was enough for the Japanese team to clinch the title.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/ogier-wins-his-eighth-wrc-title-toyota-are-also-crowned-2021-11-21/|title=Ogier wins his eighth WRC title as Toyota are also crowned|work=Reuters|date=21 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}}

Points were awarded to the top ten classified finishers in each event. In the manufacturers' championship, teams were eligible to nominate three crews to score points, but these points were only awarded to the top two classified finishers representing a manufacturer and driving a 2017-specification World Rally Car. There were also five bonus points awarded to the winners of the Power Stage, four points for second place, three for third, two for fourth and one for fifth. Power Stage points were awarded in the drivers', co-drivers' and manufacturers' championships.{{cite news|url=http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2016/2017-calendar/page/3911--12-12-.html|title=2017 WRC dates confirmed|work=wrc.com|publisher=WRC Promoter GmbH|date=28 September 2016|access-date=29 September 2016}}

The driver who recorded a top-ten finish was taken into account for the championship regardless of the categories.

|valign="top"|

{{WRC driver results legend}}

Notes:
^{1 2 3 4 5} – Power Stage position

|}

The co-driver who recorded a top-ten finish was taken into account for the championship regardless of the categories.

|valign="top"|

{{WRC driver results legend}}

Notes:
^{1 2 3 4 5} – Power Stage position

|}

Only the best two results of each manufacturer in the respective overall classification and Power Stage at each rally were taken into account for the championship.

|valign="top"|

{{WRC driver results legend}}

Notes:
^{1 2 3 4 5} – Power Stage position

|}

{{notelist|100%}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website|http://www.wrc.com/}} {{in lang|en|fr|es}}
• [https://www.ewrc-results.com/season/2021/ FIA World Rally Championship 2021] at eWRC-results.com

{{2021 World Rally Championship season}}

{{World Rally Championship results}}

{{World championships in 2021}}

World Rally Championship

World Rally Championship

Rally

Category:World Rally Championship seasons