One of the most engrossing events on the motorsports calendar is underway, as the WRC schedule kicked off last weekend. It promises to be another thrilling year of action in the World Rally Championship, with a number of drivers aiming to capture the top title in the sport.
World Rally Championship Picks
- Pick: Elfyn Evans +450.
In total, drivers involved in the event will compete across 13 events, with the races taking place across Europe, Africa, and South America. But, which drivers are among the leading contenders in the World Rally Championship futures?
World Rally Championship Odds
The World Rally Championship futures market makes for interesting viewing at this early stage of the season, as the odds struggle to separate the top four contenders. At present, Kalle Rovanpera is the market leader in the WRC betting odds at +400.
Meanwhile, Ott Tanak is also available at the same price. Elfyn Evans is likely to be among the likely contenders for the top title, and he is priced up at +450. The only other driver at a single-digit price at this stage is Thierry Neuville, available at +475.
World Rally Championship Leading Contenders
Kalle Rovanpera +400
There is little surprise to see Kalle Rovanpera rank among the leaders in the World Rally Championship futures. The Finnish driver has won each of the last two editions of the championship, scoring 250 points when landing victory in 2023. Overall, he recorded three race wins last season, which was the lowest required since Sebastien Ogier’s triumph in 2020.
But, he was consistent throughout the campaign, achieving podiums in eight races. His car was extremely reliable throughout last season, but winning a third title on the bounce is no easy feat, but a triumph would see him move into fourth in the all-team list for most victories in the World Rally Championship.
Ott Tanak +400
Ott Tanak is an interesting selection in the betting for Hyundai Motorsport this season. The Estonian driver has competed in the World Rally Championship since 2014, and he will be looking to land a second honor after previously ending the season as champion in 2019. He remains one of the most consistent drivers in the event, having recorded at least one race win in every edition of the event since 2017.
Last season, he recorded race wins in Sweden and Chile, but he could only finish fourth in the overall WRC standings. However, he could be among the leading rally predictions after making a pleasing start to the new season by claiming fourth in Monaco.
Elfyn Evans +450
Elfyn Evans is one of the brightest stars in the rally world, as the 35-year-old has progressed excellently since coming into the series in 2013 on a regular basis. The Welshman drives for Toyota Gazoo Racing, and he could be set to go one better after finishing second in three of the last four editions of the event.
Last season, he was excellent throughout the campaign, landing victories in Japan, Finland, and Croatia. This could finally be his season to get over the line, but he will need to eliminate mistakes in races that cost him in the long run. He had to retire during the early-season race in Portugal in 2023.
World Rally Championship Prediction
The action at the top of the standings will be intense this season, as there is no shortage of leading contenders that could all boast leading claims of ending the season with the top title.
However, in our WRC picks, it could be time for Evans to finally get the victory that his performances have deserved after finishing second in the overall standings in three of the last four seasons.
- Pick: Elfyn Evans +450.
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