The FIA World Rally Championship returns to Motors TV this year and as ever it kicks off in style with four days’ action on the snow-dusted hills around Monte Carlo.
After dominating the 2013 campaign Sebastien Ogier is favourite to claim a second world title this year, and with old rival Sebastien Loeb now fully committed to touring cars it’s tough to see any other outcome.
That’s not to say the Frenchman will go unchallenged in 2014. Thierry Neuville will look to build on his excellent 2013 campaign by switching to the new Hyundai squad, while Ogier’s VW team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala has the potential to win rallies if he keeps his car on the road. Meanwhile multiple title-winners Citroen enter the post-Loeb era with Mads Ostberg and Kris Meeke, who face the unenviable task of filling the biggest shoes in rally history.
But perhaps the most intriguing driver move is Robert Kubica's graduation to a full-time WRC seat with M-Sport. The Pole was impressive on his way to last year’s WRC2 crown, but still needs to shake his habit of crashing out from strong positions. His speed, however, is undeniable.
Understandably we’re pretty excited about the WRC’s return to Motors TV, but there’s plenty more action to look forward to on the High Speed Television Channel this weekend.
As we approach the fourth round of this year’s campaign the Andros Trophy title battle is looking increasingly one-sided, with Jean-Philippe Dayraut racking up the wins in the ice racing championship. However the electric category is proving fiercely contested, with GP2 race-winner Nathanael Berthon closing down early pacesetter Christophe Ferrier.
But perhaps you fancy watching motorsport in a rather warmer climate. Our Porsche Carrera Cup Australia coverage continues this weekend with the series’ fifth event of the season at Winton Motor Raceway. The triple-header round could provide Craig Baird’s rivals with a chance to erode his advantage atop the standings, though it’s equally likely that the four-time champion will further extend his lead at the Victoria venue.
We’ve also got highlights from the Dubai 24 Hours, coverage of last weekend’s Autosport International Show and our daily dose of Stateside motorsport news from The Racing Insiders on what promises to be another action-packed weekend on Motors TV.
Saturday 18 January
12:10 FIA WRC Daily Highlights, Rallye Monte Carlo – Day 2
12:40 Autosport International Show – Stage Interviews (Part 1)
14:15 Autosport International Show – Stage Interviews (Part 2)
15:45 Autosport International Show – Highlights
19:25 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Rd 5, Winton
22:35 FIA WRC Daily Highlights, Rallye Monte Carlo – Day 3
Sunday 19 January
06:25 Dubai 24 Hours Highlights
12:10 FIA WRC Daily Highlights, Rallye Monte Carlo – Day 3
13:10 Andros Trophy, Rd 4, Isola 2000
22:35 FIA WRC Daily Highlights, Rallye Monte Carlo – Event Wrap Up
23:05 The Racing Insiders – Episode 3
All times are GMT
