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Everything you need to know about the top-earning WRC drivers in 2025, their salaries, and what makes them the highest-paid in rallying.
Money is everything in the world of professional motorsports, and the World Rally Championship (WRC) is no exception.
The top rally drivers earn impressive salaries, thanks to their exceptional driving skills, sponsorship deals, and team contracts. With high-speed action, treacherous terrains, and a global audience, the WRC has become a lucrative career path for the best drivers in the sport.
Pulse Sports looks at the highest-paid rally drivers in the WRC for 2025, ranked from highest to lowest as s ranked by The Richest.
The top earners in WRC rally driving
1. Thierry Neuville - $2 million
At the top of the WRC earnings list is Belgian driver Thierry Neuville, who commands an impressive annual salary of $2 million.
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Having made his WRC debut in 2009, Neuville has steadily built his reputation as one of the most consistent and competitive drivers in the sport. He has driven for multiple teams, including Citroën, Ford, and Hyundai, with the latter being his primary team in recent years.
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10:45 - 30.11.2024
Thierry Neuville: How grit and passion drove him from Ksh 35,000 to world champion
Thierry Neuville’s journey from a €256 bank balance to 2024 WRC champion is a tale of resilience, sacrifice and triumph.
Neuville’s aggressive driving style and technical expertise have earned him multiple rally victories and championship podiums. He has been a key figure in Hyundai Motorsport’s success, playing a crucial role in their bid for manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles. His ability to adapt to various surfaces, from snow and ice in Sweden to the rough gravel in Kenya’s Safari Rally, makes him one of the most versatile drivers in WRC history.
Beyond his on-track achievements, Neuville has secured lucrative sponsorships and endorsements that contribute to his wealth. His status as the highest-paid WRC driver reflects not only his skills but also his marketability and influence in the sport.
2. Sébastien Ogier - $1.7 million
French rally legend Sébastien Ogier follows closely with an annual income of $1.7 million. Having debuted in the WRC in 2008, Ogier quickly rose through the ranks and became a dominant force in the championship. His early success with Citroën set the stage for an illustrious career that saw him secure multiple titles with Volkswagen Motorsport, M-Sport Ford, and Toyota Gazoo Racing.
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Ogier’s driving style is characterized by precision, strategic thinking and unparalleled adaptability. His ability to maintain control under the most challenging conditions has been instrumental in securing his multiple world titles. Whether navigating the tight tarmac roads of Monte Carlo or the grueling gravel stages of Argentina, Ogier consistently delivers top-tier performances.
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Despite stepping back from full-time competition in recent years, Ogier remains a formidable competitor, often participating in select WRC events.
3. Ott Tänak - $1.25 million
Estonian driver Ott Tänak holds the third spot on the list, earning an annual salary of $1.25 million. Tänak made his WRC debut in 2009 with M-Sport Ford and later achieved his greatest successes with Toyota Gazoo Racing, winning the 2019 World Rally Championship title.
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Tänak’s aggressive and fearless driving style has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent on the rally stage. His ability to extract the maximum performance from his car, regardless of the conditions, has earned him numerous rally victories and podium finishes. Whether racing through Finland’s high-speed gravel roads or enduring the harsh conditions of Wales Rally GB, Tänak consistently proves his mettle.
Sponsorships and brand endorsements further boost his earnings, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid drivers in the WRC.
4. Elfyn Evans - $1 million
Welsh driver Elfyn Evans secures the fourth position with a solid annual income of $1 million. Since making his WRC debut in 2007, Evans has steadily built his reputation as a dependable and skilled driver. Competing for teams like M-Sport Ford and Toyota Gazoo Racing, he has established himself as a regular contender for the championship.
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Evans is known for his composed and calculated approach to rally driving. Unlike some of his more aggressive counterparts, he relies on consistency, technical finesse, and strategic decision-making to achieve success.
His earnings are bolstered by his reliability and marketability, with sponsorship deals contributing to his impressive financial standing.
5. Kalle Rovanperä - $600,000
At just 24 years old, Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä is already making waves in the WRC with an annual income of $600,000.
The son of former WRC driver Harri Rovanperä, Kalle has inherited his father’s talent and passion for rallying. Since joining the WRC in 2019 with Toyota Gazoo Racing, he has demonstrated remarkable maturity and skill beyond his years.
Rovanperä’s fearless approach and natural ability to push his car to its limits have earned him numerous victories and recognition as a future world champion.
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14:22 - 27.01.2025
Sebastien Ogier: Age, Career, Rally teams, Salary & Net Worth explained
Discover the incredible journey of Sébastien Ogier, from rising rally star to eight-time WRC champion, his earnings, career and future plans.
Despite being one of the younger drivers in the WRC, Rovanperä’s earning potential is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
6. Dani Sordo - $550,000
Veteran Spanish driver Dani Sordo follows closely with an annual salary of $550,000. Having made his WRC debut in 2003, Sordo has enjoyed a long and successful career, competing for teams like Citroën and Hyundai Motorsport.
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Sordo’s smooth and consistent driving style makes him a valuable team player. While he may not always be in the spotlight, his ability to deliver strong results and support his team’s championship ambitions is undeniable.
Beyond his WRC salary, Sordo benefits from sponsorship deals and endorsements, further enhancing his financial standing in the motorsport world.
7. Esapekka Lappi - $500,000
Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi rounds out the list with an annual income of $500,000. Lappi entered the WRC scene in 2013 and quickly gained recognition for his speed and technical prowess.
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Lappi’s ability to adapt to different terrains and driving conditions makes him a formidable competitor. He has driven for teams like Skoda Motorsport and Toyota Gazoo Racing, consistently delivering strong performances.
Though his earnings are the lowest on this list, Lappi’s potential for future success means his salary could rise as he continues to make his mark in the WRC.
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