Teen sensation Kerem Kazaz is poised to make history in the Turkish Rally Championship as he heads into the season finale at the Istanbul Rallisi this weekend. The 18-year-old leads the championship standings, positioned to secure the national title with just one last rally in his remarkable 2024 campaign. Kazaz, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 alongside his experienced French co-driver Corentin Silvestre, has proven his skill and maturity by navigating a season filled with consistent podium finishes and intense competition, marking him as one of the most promising young drivers on the circuit.
Season highlights
Kazaz made headlines mid-season with his switch to the i20 N Rally2, joining the Parkur Racing team. The car change was expected to bring a learning curve, yet Kazaz and Silvestre adapted seamlessly, impressing fans and competitors alike with their immediate results. Since making the switch, the pair has clinched two consecutive runner-up finishes in the national series, narrowly missing the top spot in both rounds. This consistency has kept them at the championship’s pinnacle and has set up Kazaz with a realistic path to the title as they head into the final round.
Kazaz’s season opened with a win, which fueled his early championship lead. Despite the subsequent fierce competition and close calls with rivals, he has consistently managed to secure critical points with near-perfect results. His journey has showcased his ability to handle the pressure of championship contention, a feat that not many teenagers in rallying achieve at his level.
The Istanbul Rallisi: A title on the line
Entering the Istanbul Rallisi with the championship lead means Kazaz doesn’t need a win to secure the title— a third consecutive second-place finish, combined with maximum points in the Power Stage, would clinch the championship even if his closest rivals take victory. However, a season finale victory would make him the undisputed champion and seal his legacy in Turkish motorsport with style. This weekend’s event will test his resilience and strategic racing, as the young driver navigates the iconic roads and pushes the i20 N Rally2 for every second that counts.
Kazaz and Silvestre have shown impeccable teamwork throughout the season, and the finale will be the ultimate test of their synergy under the Parkur Racing banner. Regardless of the outcome, Kazaz’s 2024 season has established him as a rising star in the rally world, combining youthful ambition with a focused, tactical approach that hints at an illustrious future in the sport.