 While this number was the same as the previous year, one change was made to the schedule, replacing New Zealand with the Brazil.The 1981 World Rally Championship for Drivers was won by Ari Vatanen driving a Rothmans Rally Team Ford Escort RS1800, the only time a privateer team has won the Drivers' Championship until 2017.The Makes' Championship was won by Talbot with their Sunbeam Lotus.