Rallying is one of the most exhilarating and demanding forms of motorsport, pushing both cars and drivers to their limits on diverse terrains and challenging conditions. Over the years, numerous rally teams have etched their names in history with outstanding performances and a spirit of competition. In this article, we will celebrate the greatest rally teams, their achievements, and the legends that drove them to victory.
1. Lancia Martini Racing
Founding Year: 1982
Iconic Car: Lancia Delta Integrale
Notable Drivers: Miki Biasion, Juha Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz
Achievements: Lancia Martini Racing dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the late ’80s and early ’90s, winning six consecutive manufacturers’ titles. The Lancia Delta Integrale, with its distinctive Martini livery, became an icon of the rally world.
2. Subaru World Rally Team
Founding Year: 1980 (as Subaru Rally Team Japan)
Iconic Car: Subaru Impreza
Notable Drivers: Colin McRae, Richard Burns, Petter Solberg
Achievements: The Subaru World Rally Team had a remarkable run in the late ’90s and early 2000s. They secured three consecutive manufacturers’ titles from 1995 to 1997. Colin McRae and Richard Burns also clinched drivers’ titles for Subaru in 1995 and 2001, respectively.
3. Ford World Rally Team
Founding Year: 1997
Iconic Car: Ford Focus WRC
Notable Drivers: Carlos Sainz, Marcus Grönholm, Sébastien Ogier
Achievements: The Ford World Rally Team, operated by M-Sport, has a rich history in WRC. They secured manufacturers’ titles in 2006 and 2007. Drivers like Carlos Sainz and Sébastien Ogier brought glory to the team with multiple championships.
4. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Founding Year: 1975 (as Toyota Team Europe)
Iconic Car: Toyota Celica, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris
Notable Drivers: Juha Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Ogier
Achievements: Toyota has a storied history in rally, with numerous manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles. They have excelled with cars like the Celica, Corolla, and Yaris. Sébastien Ogier secured multiple drivers’ titles with the team.
5. Citroën Total World Rally Team
Founding Year: 2001
Iconic Car: Citroën Xsara, Citroën C4, Citroën DS3
Notable Drivers: Sébastien Loeb, Sébastien Ogier, Sébastien Loeb, Sébastien Ogier (Yes, the team had two legends named Sébastien)
Achievements: Citroën Total dominated WRC in the 2000s and early 2010s. Sébastien Loeb secured nine consecutive drivers’ titles, while the team consistently won manufacturers’ titles during his reign.
These rally teams and their iconic cars have left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. Their achievements, along with the legendary drivers who guided these machines to glory, continue to inspire rally enthusiasts and showcase the thrilling and enduring nature of this unique motorsport discipline.
