Former World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke will make a shock return to the FIA European Rally Championship at the penultimate round of the series, Rali Ceredigion in Wales, running from September 4–6, piloting a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on asphalt.
Fantasy & Market Impact
The Road Back to the European Stage
For Meeke, the upcoming Welsh asphalt event marks a notable milestone. It represents his first European Rally Championship appearance since Rally Poland back in 2006. The Northern Irishman brings immense top-flight experience to Rali Ceredigion, having secured five World Rally Championship victories during his illustrious career.
The machinery of choice is the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Last season, the Briton contested the Portuguese Rally Championship in a closely fought title battle against Dani Sordo. Despite taking four victories out of eight rounds, Meeke ultimately settled for the runner-up spot in the final standings.
Recent Campaigns and International Form
Earlier this year, Meeke contested a historic rally in Ireland before traveling across the globe to New Zealand. There, he claimed a commanding class victory behind the wheel of a Ford Escort, proving his racecraft remains razor-sharp outside of modern factory seats.
His recent competitive mileage also includes the Donegal International Rally, where he ran a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 featuring a striking livery split between a turquoise driver’s side and a green co-driver’s side. Navigated by Irishman Liam Regan—who has spent recent seasons alongside WRC2 competitor William Creighton—Meeke demonstrated that his transition between historic machinery and contemporary Rally2 cars is seamless.
Rali Ceredigion Field and Technical Demands
The penultimate round of the FIA European Rally Championship in Wales poses unique tactical challenges.
Among the notable entries confirmed for high-profile asphalt action in similar machinery is M-Sport Ford WRC driver Josh McErlean, who has previously lined up in events like the Donegal International Rally driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
| Event / Championship | Vehicle | Co-Driver | Key Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese Rally Championship | Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 | Not Specified | 4 Wins, Runner-Up in Title Battle |
| Donegal International Rally | Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 | Liam Regan | Completed 260+ competitive km |
| Historic Rally Ireland / New Zealand | Ford Escort | Not Specified | Class Victory (New Zealand) |
| FIA European Rally Championship (Rali Ceredigion) | Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 | Not Specified | Upcoming (September 4–6) |
Strategic Outlook for the Penultimate Round
