Pirelli Star Driver is an initiative to support young rally drivers, organised by Pirelli and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
For the first two years of the scheme, 2009 and 2010, five drivers were selected from four FIA Championships, one from the African Rally Championship, one from the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, two from the European Rally Championship and one from the Middle East Rally Championship. The driver selection process was conducted by each indiviudual FIA region.
The five drivers then competed in six events of the World Rally Championship, driving in identical Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, prepared by Ralliart Italy.
The scheme was changed for the 2011 season. 16 drivers were nominated for a global shootout, from which six drivers were selected. They will compete in the new WRC Academy in Ford Fiesta R2s.
| Year | Drivers | Representing |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Andrea Crugnola | Europe |
| Craig Breen | ||
| Fredrik Åhlin | ||
| Jan Cerný | ||
| Brendan Reeves | Asia-Pacific | |
| Molly Taylor | Women & Motor Sport Commission | |
| 2010 | Ott Tänak | Europe |
| Alex Raschi | ||
| Hayden Paddon | Asia-Pacific | |
| Peter Horsey | Africa | |
| Nicholai Georgiou | Middle East | |
| 2009 | Jarkko Nikara | Europe |
| Martin Semerád | ||
| Mark Tapper | Asia-Pacific | |
| Nicos Thomas | Middle East | |
| Jon Williams | Africa |