The racing season is back underway for 2024, so keep reading to find out what motorsport is on this weekend around the world.
It doesn’t feel like that along that I was watching the Macau Grand Prix in November last year, but already it’s time for drivers around the globe to put their helmets back on and strap into their racecars. To find out which events are running this weekend, and how to watch them, check out the list below.
What motorsport is on this weekend?
Rallye Monte-Carlo
The FIA World Rally Championship is gearing up for its traditional curtain-raiser at the historic Rallye Monte-Carlo. This year, there’s a lot to look forward to in the WRC, particularly the possibility of a new world champion. Reigning champ Kalle Rovanperä and French legend Sébastien Ogier are only competing on a part-time basis this year, opening the door to the likes of Elfyn Evans, Ott Tänak, and Thierry Neuville in what’s set to be a close-fought three-way title battle.
For 2024, the Rallye Monte-Carlo moves back to a more Northern set of stages, with base camp pitched up in Gap. That happens to be the hometown of Ogier, who will be present this weekend, looking for a record tenth Monte victory. To learn more about the upcoming WRC season, have a read of our full 2024 WRC preview.
How to watch it
As ever, the Rallye Monte-Carlo will be held over multiple days, spanning Thursday 25th January – Sunday 28th January. The best way to watch the WRC is through the championship’s online streaming service, Rally TV. Rally TV also gives you access to the European Rally Championship and the FIA World RX Championship, plus tons of archive content. It is quite costly though, priced at €119.99 per year, or €12.99 per month. The exact amount will vary slightly depending on your region.
Alternatively, if you want to watch the WRC through a television broadcaster, UK audiences will be able to follow the action live on TNT Sports. In the US, sadly no broadcaster has picked up the FIA World Rally Championship this year. Fortunately, American (and international) audiences will at least be able to catch up with highlights for free on Red Bull TV.
Courtesy of IMSA
IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona
The American IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship kicks off its 2024 season on Saturday 27th January with arguably the most prestigious event on its calendar. In fact, the Daytona 24 Hours is one of the most widely renowned endurance races in the world, second only to Le Mans. With the blossoming success of the new GTP car regulations, the top class in this year’s race is set to be hotly contested between the likes of Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche, meanwhile the legendary Mustang versus Corvette battle will be reignited in the GTD Pro class.
Qualifying has already been conducted for this great race, with Pipo Derani claiming pole position for the semi-works Whelen Engineering Cadillac team (pictured). In fact, he did so with style, posting a time of 1:32.656 which is a new lap record for qualifying at Daytona. Overall the Cadillac seems to have the marginal upper hand if lap times are anything to go by so far, but Porsche, BMW, and Acura have all managed to lap the circuit within half a second of Derani’s pace – so we should be on for a competitive race, especially once you factor in the unpredictability that comes with 24 hour endurance events.
How to watch it
International audiences will be able to livestream the full race on IMSA.tv, however American audiences will be able to tune in via the NBC Sports and Peacock platforms. Click here to learn more about how that works if you’re based in the States.
Diriyah e-Prix
The FIA Formula E Championship will take on the Saudi streets of Diriyah for the second round of its new season. Two races are set to take place, one on Friday 26th January, and one on Saturday 27th January – and both will be under the lights.
The new FE season got underway earlier in the month at the Mexico City grand prix circuit, but after an uncharacteristically tepid race, drivers and spectators alike will be hoping for some more action this weekend. In fairness, the Mexican circuit has often flattered to deceive for spectacle with these cars, whereas Diriyah’s track record for excitement is pretty good. Let’s hope that trend continues…
Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein arrives in the Middle East as the championship leader having taken victory for the German marque in Mexico, but expect the Jaguar contingent – particularly Nick Cassidy – to come back fighting this time out.
How to watch it
In the United States, the only way to watch Formula E is through Roku. Meanwhile, TNT Sports holds the broadcasting rights in the UK this year, following a controversial switch from Channel 4’s freeview network.
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