Rallying emerged as a frequent motorsport in the early 20th century, gaining popularity primarily due to the advent of automobile technology and the desire to showcase endurance and skill. It originated in Europe, notably in France, as a means to test the reliability and performance of cars over long distances and challenging terrains.
The first recognized rally event, the Monte Carlo Rally, began in 1911, marking the formalization of rallying as a sport. The aftermath of World War I saw a surge in interest, as returning soldiers sought excitement and adventure, contributing to the growth of rallying. The format evolved over time, with events incorporating diverse surfaces, weather conditions, and stages, requiring drivers and co-drivers to navigate through varied landscapes and terrains. Rallying's appeal lies in its blend of speed, strategy, and teamwork, making it a thrilling and demanding motorsport embraced by enthusiasts worldwide.
Rallying: car manufacturers
We list the most active sponsors among car manufacturers in rallying and the teams they have supported:
- Hyundai Motorsport. Hyundai has been heavily involved in rallying, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Hyundai Motorsport competes as a factory team in the WRC, running Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC cars. They have been supported by sponsors such as Shell, Mobis, and Hyundai itself.
- Toyota Gazoo Racing is another prominent manufacturer in the WRC. They compete with Toyota Yaris WRC cars and have been supported by sponsors like TotalEnergies, Michelin, and various Toyota affiliates.
- M-Sport Ford. M-Sport has a long history in rallying and has been a Ford-backed team in the WRC. They have competed with Ford Fiesta WRC cars and have been supported by sponsors such as Castrol, MS-RT, and Michelin.
- Citroën Racing has been a major player in rallying, although their involvement in the WRC has fluctuated in recent years. When active, they competed with Citroën C3 WRC cars and were supported by sponsors like TotalEnergies, Michelin, and various Citroën affiliates.
- Škoda Motorsport. Škoda has been dominant in other rally championships outside the WRC, such as the WRC-2 category. Škoda Motorsport competes with Škoda Fabia Rally2 cars and has been supported by sponsors like Red Bull, Castrol, and various Škoda affiliates.
These manufacturers often have a mix of corporate sponsors, technical partners, and affiliated brands supporting their rally teams, providing financial backing, technical expertise, and branding opportunities.
Rallying: sponsors
Here are some of the most active sponsors in rally racing, excluding automakers, along with the teams they support:
- Red Bull is heavily involved in motorsports, including rally racing. They often sponsor teams like the Red Bull Racing team and provide support to various drivers and teams in different rally championships.
- Monster Energy - Similar to Red Bull, Monster Energy is a major player in motorsports sponsorship. They support teams and drivers across various rally championships, often with prominent branding on vehicles and team apparel.
- Shell is a prominent sponsor in motorsports and has been involved in rally racing, providing technical support and fuel solutions to teams. They often support teams competing in events like the World Rally Championship (WRC).
- TotalEnergies is another significant sponsor in motorsports, including rally racing. They support teams in various championships, offering technical expertise and fuel solutions.
- Michelin is a leading tire manufacturer heavily involved in rally racing. They provide tires to numerous teams and drivers across different rally championships, including the WRC and regional rally series.
These sponsors typically support multiple teams and drivers across different rally championships, providing financial backing, technical support, and branding opportunities.