WRC Podcasts

From Italy to Disneyland to a chance opportunity a rallying icon – Alex Gelsomino's rise through the ranks of rallying co-driving is a journey in itself. In this edition of Backstories presented by Becs Williams the recently-turned 50-year-old talks through his career, including his special relationship with the iconic Ken Block.

Behind the wheel of a rally car, Michéle Mouton transcended the world of rallying to become an iconic athlete of the eighties. In this captivating chat with Becs Williams, Mouton reveals that the career that redefined boundaries might never have been were it not for a chance encounter at a rock'n'roll dance off. The 1982 WRC runner-up recalls her rivalries with Ari Vatenen and Walter Röhrl and her special friendship with teammate Hannu Mikkola. Nothing is left untouched in the first edition of WRC Backstories for 2023 as she speaks openly of learning of her father's death just hours before competing in the 1982 Rallye Côte d'Ivoire as well as the adversity that drove her to breaking the then-record for Pikes Peak in 1985.

From behind the lens, Colin McMaster has a truly unique perspective of rallying. As a photographer on the WRC circuit since the mid-nineties, McMaster tends to let his photos do the talking, appearing in books, print and online around the world. However, on this occasion McMaster has put down the camera, sitting down with Becs Williams for the latest episode of WRC Backstories.

Long before Guenther Steiner was gracing our screens as an unassuming star of Netflix hit series ‘Drive to Survive' the Italian was earning his stripes as a rally mechanic, moving steadily through the ranks whilst working with the likes of Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz. The Haas F1 Team boss took time out of his schedule to sit with Becs Williams to reminisce over his rallying days for the latest episode of WRC Backstories, the championship's official podcast.

Esapekka Lappi has a built a reputation as being one of the most open, frank and honest drivers in the WRC service park, making him the perfect guest for Backstories. From his decision to move to Citroën and now his return to Toyota Gazoo Racing, Lappi shares everything of his career to date with Becs Williams.

Having made a career out of dictating to world rally drivers, Seb Marshall has now found a new career: listening to them. The world rally-winning co-driver has excelled in his second career as a stage-end reporter, providing a familiar face and gaining an immediate rapport with drivers. The Englishman now sits down with Becs Williams to talk over a life in rallying on the latest episode of WRC Backstories.

A self-professed farm boy, Rich Millener's journey from parts department to the man who calls the shots at M-Sport Ford is as unlikely as it is inspiring. Becs Williams catches up with the Petter Solberg fan boy on the latest episode of WRC Backstories

Becs Williams has managed to track down the world's fastest and busiest retiree Sébastien Loeb for the latest episode of WRC Backstories, just hours before the motorsport legend began his testing for Vodafone Rally de Portugal, once more reiterating that ‘age is just a number.'

Thrust from the sidelines into one of the hottest seats in the WRC on the world's most iconic rally, Martijn Wydaeghe became a household name in rallying circles across one whirlwind week in January 2021. The talented Belgian co-driver now reflects on his first 14 months reading the notes for Thierry Neuville

With rallying royalty in his blood, it was only natural that this guest followed in his father's footsteps into the WRC. What was not however foreseen was just how quickly the young driver would establish himself at the forefront of the sport. Becs Williams kicks off the 2022 season with Finnish wunderkind Kalle Rovanperä.

With rallying royalty in his blood, it was only natural that this guest followed in his father's footsteps into the WRC. What was not however foreseen was just how quickly the young driver would establish himself at the forefront of the sport. Becs Williams kicks off the 2022 season with Finnish wunderkind Kalle Rovanperä.

Follow his first season as team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing, Jari-Matti Latvala sits down with Becs Williams to reflect on his new role and his career to date.

ACI Rally Monza will see the curtains drawn on the career of one of the WRC's greatest and most successful co-drivers, Julian Ingrassia. Ahead of his 168th and final start, Ingrassia took time to sit down with Becs Williams and reflect on a remarkable career that may just end in an eighth world title.

With 144 starts in the WRC spanning four decades, Chris Patterson retires as one of the most experienced co-drivers in the history of the Championship. From driving a stage for Petter Solberg to taking up the call from Gus Greensmith at the beginning of 2021, this is his story.

Like most Finns, Mikko Hirvonen's rallying legacy began at an incredibly young age. Now, he reveals to Becs Williams how he evolved from driving cars on a frozen lake next to his father's house, to winning rallies around the world.

From a hobby co-driver to WRC winner on home turf, this is the story of Brit Dan Barritt, a man who still seems in awe of where his hobby has taken him.

Coming up in the world of motorsport from the southern hemisphere, Molly Taylor has made it something of a habit of breaking through barriers. Now the Australian is back in Europe for an all-new challenge.

From winning multiple WRC manufacturers' championships, to orchestrating a one-two-three podium on Monte-Carlo, to setting the quickest time ever up Pikes Peak, the current Williams F1 Technical Director Francois-Xavier Demaison has no shortage of stories to share in the latest episode of WRC Backstories, presented by Becs Williams.

Caption: Already practicing stage-end interviews in his backyard as a child, it was clear that a future in the WRC was calling for Craig Breen. In this heartfelt chat with Becs Williams, Irishman Breen talks through his beginnings in carting, 60-hour-plus bus trips to make Shakedown and the loss of close friend and co-driver Gareth "Jaffa" Roberts.

Fresh off his 50th WRC victory and record-breaking 8th Rallye Monte-Carlo victory, Sébastien Ogier opens up with Becs Williams in the first episode of Backstories – the official podcast of the WRC – for 2021

From starting out with his brother Henning’s wife as his co-driver, Petter Solberg quickly rose through the ranks to become a regular fix in WRC and a household name in his native Norway. In this episode, the 2005 World Champion opens up about his close relationship with Colin McRae, the role Harri Rovanperä has had in son Oliver’s career and a famous Shakedown when he was berated by Malcolm Wilson for going too fast…

Growing up as a friend of Matthew Wilson, it seems only natural that Scott Martin moved into the world of rallying. Fresh off the second victory of his WRC career, Elfyn Evans' co-driver opens up to Becs Williams on being starstruck by Colin McRae, to almost quitting the sport following the loss of close friend Michael Park, and a big accident of his own.

Rising to prominence in the WRC as a co-driver, Kaj Lindström remains in the WRC as sporting director for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Hear of the professional transformation the Finn has gone under in the latest episode of WRC Backstories.

As part Hyundai Motorsport Week, Becs Williams talks with Thierry Neuville's co-driver, Nicolas Gilsoul.

In this special episode of Backstories to coincide with M-Sport Ford Week, Becs Williams interviews M-Sport Ford owner and WRC icon, Malcolm Wilson

In the seventh episode of Backstories, host Becs Williams talks with Toyota Gazoo Racing chief engineer Tom Fowler in a WRC Tech Month special edition of WRC Backstories

In the sixth episode of Backstories, host Becs Williams talks with Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver Dani Sordo

Co-Driver Week, presented by Anonimo, extends to Backstories as well, as Becs Williams catches up with one of the most experienced co-drivers in the WRC, Finland’s Jarmo Lehtinen.

This week, host Becs Williams sits down with the reigning world champion Ott Tänak of Estonia, tracking his career from small-town Estonia to the top of the world

In the third episode, Becs Williams catches up with fellow Welsh native, Elfyn Evans, who talks about his big off-season move to Toyota Gazoo Racing.

In the second episode, host Becs Williams sits down with M-Sport Driver Gus Greensmith, a driver who has undergone a major fitness regime ahead of his second season driving in the WRC.

Backstories is a series of in-depth interviews with personalities of the WRC focusing, as the name suggests, on the backstory of each of these personalities. In the first episode, host Becs Williams sits down with Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville, a driver who has gone from a few remaining Euros in his bank account, to consistently being among the frontrunners for the World Championship title.

It's time to find out who will be crowned this years Junior WRC Champion! On hand to run you through the possible contenders are Becs Williams and Seb Scott and they are joined by former Junior champion, Elfyn Evans who shares some insightful stories and gives some golden advice to our Junior crews - not to be missed!

A huge weekend is in prospect at Wales Rally GB! In this weeks Regroup we catch up with 2003 WRC Champion Petter Solberg who will compete in Wales for the final time. Petter recounts his career and talks of his son Oliver Solberg who makes his WRC2 debut. Hayden Paddon, fresh off the plane from NZ joins us to discuss his prospects at GB in the WRC2 Pro category and Craig Breen steps out of his Metro 6R4 to talk rally history and his own future…

An incredible event in Finland means there is a lot to talk about! Becs Williams catches up Richard Millener of M-Sport to discuss the latest on Elfyn Evans and the team plans for Germany. While Craig Breen gives us his insight into his return to WRC action and his hopes of another drive this season.

The first ever dedicated Junior WRC podcast is here! Want a peek into the world of Junior WRC? Then you have one, the first podcast for the series is now available. Catch up with the latest news, reflect on Sardinia and hear from the Junior WRC drivers, including an in-depth feature interview with Swedish driver Tom Kristensson

Becs Williams and Emyr Penlan talk Sardinia and the prospect of a great battle ahead. Featuring interviews with Teemu Suninen and new co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen, Esapekka Lappi and Ott Tanak.

Desc: This weekend we see a hugely competitive entry for the WRC’s return to Europe including the debut of Gus Greensmith in a WRC car, we find out his thoughts plus we chat with Hyundai’s Andrea Adamo about the decision to swap Mikkelsen for Loeb. All that, plus Michelin tyre guru Arnaud Remy tells us that tyre strategy could be in full effect this weekend...

A brand new event for WRC, it is time to discover what Rally Chile has to offer! Hear from Jari-Matti Latvala, Seb Ogier, Elfyn Evans, Ott Tanak and Seb Loeb.

The weather makes a challenging event even more of an adventure for our crews. We chat to all the teams to find out their take on this years Rally Argentina.

The twists and turns of Corsica are legendary, as was the story of this years event. Listen as the top three crews tell us their tale of round four of the FIA World Rally Championship. Julien Ingrassia’s ‘Cow corner’ is definitely a highlight…!

It’s time to turn to tarmac and our WRC crews are ready for the challenge of Corsica! Becs Williams talks tarmac with Ott Tanak, Seb Ogier, Seb Loeb and Elfyn Evans with Scott Martin giving us his unique insight into life in the co-driving seat.

With a fierce battle lined up for the first gravel event of the season, let's catch up with our WRC crews as they get ready for this years Rally Mexico! Becs Williams chats with Ott Tanak, Seb Ogier, Thierry Neuville, Kris Meeke, Dani Sordo and Andreas Mikkelsen.

Loeb wins?! Was it all a dream? No, it was very real in Spain just one week ago. Find out how the top three reacted to their results and their thoughts on the final showdown in Australia. Also hear from WRC2 winner Kalle Rovanpera and WRC3 champion Enrico Brazzoli.

After an absence of six years, Petter Solberg makes his WRC comeback with the brand new VW Polo GTI R5. Find out how the 2003 World Champ is feeling ahead of his return.

Neuville, Ogier and Tanak - all locked into the intense championship battle. Hear their thoughts ahead of the penultimate round!

On his last outing in the WRC this season, Loeb talks about his preparation and what the future holds. Is a return to WRC on the cards?

Want to know what Rally Turkey has to offer? We are here for your every need! Also, the first announcement has come with regard to the 2019 driver line up, but what are the other drivers doing? We find out...

Becs Williams gets you ready for Nest Rally Finland with the latest Regroup podcast. Featuring clerk of the course to Rally Finland, Kai Tarkiainen alongside M-Sport’s Maciek Woda who updates us on the latest in the Junior WRC. Plus we chat with the man behind the #ReliveRallyFinland2003 project. All this and interviews with Ott Tanak, Craig Breen and Hayden Paddon.

Can Tanak do the double? Will Paddon impress on his WRC return? What is Gus Greensmith's secret skill? Find out with Becs Williams and Paul King as they talk all things Portugal in our latest podcast