The Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA) has officially unveiled the FR6 Trophy, a brand-new rally competition launching in 2025. This exciting initiative is designed to welcome amateur drivers into the world of rallying with an affordable, accessible, and competitive framework. The highlight of this new series? The Peugeot 208 Racing—an innovative car built to dominate the newly introduced FR6 class.
A new era for amateur rallying in France
The FR6 Trophy is part of FFSA’s strategy to democratise motorsport, offering a pathway for drivers of all levels. The series promises affordability and competitive racing without compromising safety. With the FR6 class, the FFSA has created a class where drivers can focus on honing their skills without the burden of excessive maintenance costs.
The FR6 regulations centre on:
- Affordability: The class’s vehicles, including the Peugeot 208 Racing, are designed with cost-effective components and standard tyres to reduce operational expenses.
- Safety: Equipped with FIA-compliant multi-point roll bars, the cars ensure drivers are protected while enjoying the sport.
- Inclusiveness: The class is open to other eligible vehicles, promoting participation from various manufacturers.
The competition will also feature regional qualifiers across France, offering amateur drivers easy access to events close to home. Drivers will compete from April to September, culminating in a grand final at the prestigious French Rally Cup in Lisieux.
Peugeot 208 Racing: The star of the FR6 Class
Developed by Stellantis Motorsport, the Peugeot 208 Racing is the first vehicle homologated for the FR6 class. This new rally machine carries Peugeot’s legacy of building competitive rally cars, drawing from the expertise behind the 208 Rally4 and C3 Rally2 models.
Designed for both beginner and experienced amateur drivers, the 208 Racing provides the perfect platform to build driving skills and progress to higher levels of competition. With a turbocharged 145-horsepower engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a lightweight 1,050 kg chassis, the car promises thrilling performance on any rally stage.
Experienced drivers, including French rally legend Yoann Bonato, played a key role in the car’s development, ensuring it delivers on both performance and ease of use. “The 208 Racing is dynamic, fun, and easy to handle—ideal for drivers of all skill levels,” Bonato commented. Fellow driver Léo Rossel added, “It’s a real rally car that feels safe and allows drivers to focus entirely on their performance.”
Environmentally conscious and cost-effective
In line with Stellantis Motorsport’s commitment to sustainability, the 208 Racing will run exclusively on superethanol-E85 fuel, offering up to 30% lower CO2 emissions and significant savings compared to traditional fuels. Using Michelin’s standard Pilot Sport PS5 tyres further reduces costs while maintaining performance. Stellantis has also prioritised durability in the car’s design, ensuring that it can withstand the rigours of competition while minimising maintenance.
François Wales, Stellantis Motorsport’s Customer Racing Director, emphasized the brand’s commitment: “The Peugeot 208 Racing makes no concessions on safety or performance. It embodies our ambition to make motorsport accessible, affordable, and exciting.”
FR6 Trophy structure and rewards
The FR6 Trophy will divide France into five regions, each hosting six rally events. Drivers’ top five results will count toward qualification for the Lisieux final. Corsica and overseas territories will have special provisions to ensure broad participation.
The competition features two categories:
- Hope (drivers aged 25 or under): The winner secures a seat in four 2026 rallies in a Rally4 car under the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup France.
- Expert (drivers aged 26 and above): The winner earns entry into a 2026 French Rally Championship round with a Rally4 car.
A gateway to greater things
The FR6 Trophy presents an unparalleled opportunity for amateur drivers to break into competitive rallying. Whether you’re a young hopeful or a seasoned enthusiast, the new series offers an affordable, challenging, and safe environment to push your limits. With the Peugeot 208 Racing leading the charge, the 2025 FR6 Trophy is set to become a defining platform for discovering the next generation of rally talent.
This is more than just a new class – it’s a revolution in accessibility, ensuring that anyone with a passion for rallying has the chance to compete. As Mayeul Tyl, Stellantis Motorsport’s Racing Shop Manager, stated, “The Peugeot 208 Racing is radical in its simplicity and safety, yet focused on reducing costs. It is truly built for drivers, by drivers.”
With the Peugeot 208 Racing ready to hit the stages and the FR6 Trophy gearing up for an exhilarating debut, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for amateur rallying in France.
