The 2006 World Rally Championship began on January 20 with the 74th Monte Carlo Rally. Finland's Marcus Grönholm, in a Ford Focus RS WRC, took the win ahead of France's Sébastien Loeb. After the Swedish Rally ended with the same top-two, Loeb and Kronos Citroën went on to win five rallies in a row. Despite an injury in a mountain-biking accident before the Rally of Turkey, Loeb secured his third drivers' title, whereas Ford won their first manufacturers' title since 1979.
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Rule changes
In an attempt to cut costs, new regulations required mechanical front and rear differentials, while the central differential remained active. Active suspension and water injections were also prohibited. Cars entered by a manufacturer had to be equipped with the same engine for two rallies; further limitations were imposed on the changing of some parts, including suspension, steering, turbochargers and gearboxes.
For 2006 manufacturer is understood to mean a manufacturer, a team designated by a manufacturer, or a privateer team taking part with a single make of car.
Two categories were created to compete for the Manufacturer's championship:
Manufacturer 1 (M1)
Manufacturer 2 (M2)
Notes
† Sebastien Loeb broke his arm before Rally Turkey and missed the remainder of the season.