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Key Changes to the 2026 World Rally Championship Calendar
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is set to feature 14 rounds in 2026, continuing its traditional format. However, several notable changes have been made to the schedule, reflecting evolving strategies and logistical considerations.
The season will begin in Monte Carlo in January and conclude in Saudi Arabia in November. The calendar has undergone some significant adjustments compared to 2025, with one of the most prominent changes being the relocation of Rally Japan. Previously held in November, it will now take place from 28–31 May, marking the seventh round of the season. This shift helps break up a sequence of gravel rallies, which could otherwise impact the performance of early championship leaders. Since 2023, the WRC has featured seven consecutive gravel events, sparking discussions about road position rules.
Hopes for a Return to the USA Remain Unfulfilled
There had been high expectations for the WRC to return to the United States for the first time since the 1988 Olympus Rally. This was seen as a key part of the championship’s strategy to expand its global reach. In April, it was reported that the WRC had a multi-year contract in place to host an event in Tennessee, which was listed on the proposed 2026 calendar. However, this plan appears to have been postponed, at least for another year.
Italy’s Event Moves to October
Interestingly, the official announcement of the 2026 calendar does not specify the location for the Italian event. However, it is confirmed that the event will move from its traditional June date to October, becoming the penultimate round of the season. Sardinia has hosted the WRC every year since 2004, except for 2009, when the event was held in Sanremo. Italy has also had other entries in the WRC, such as Rally Monza in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic.
This year’s event marked the end of the current deal, and it is understood that Rally di Roma Capitale is eager to elevate its asphalt event from European Rally Championship status to WRC level.
Croatia Returns to the Calendar
Croatia will make a return to the WRC calendar in 2026 after being moved to the European Rally Championship (ERC) this year. The Central European Rally has been dropped from the schedule, with organizers citing economic conditions as the reason for its removal.
Technical Regulations Remain Unchanged
The FIA has confirmed that the 2025 technical regulations will continue into 2026, with the addition of two homologation jokers for chassis development. These have been approved by the WRC Commission and the World Motor Sport Council. This decision aims to support teams while maintaining competitive balance.
Perspectives from WRC Leadership
Jona Siebel, managing director of WRC Promoter, emphasized the purpose behind the 2026 calendar. “It’s diverse, it flows well, and it reflects the feedback we’ve had from teams, drivers and stakeholders,” he said. He added that the sequence of events was carefully considered to impact the sporting competition positively.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, highlighted the global appeal of the 2026 calendar. “It combines the heritage of iconic rallies with the return of newer events in regions where participation and interest in rallying continues to grow,” he stated.
2026 WRC Calendar Breakdown
Here is the full list of events for the 2026 WRC season:
- Round 1 – Monte-Carlo (22–25 January): Asphalt/Ice
- Round 2 – Sweden (12–15 February): Snow
- Round 3 – Kenya (12–15 March): Gravel
- Round 4 – Croatia (9–12 April): Asphalt
- Round 5 – Gran Canaria (23–26 April): Asphalt
- Round 6 – Portugal (7–10 May): Gravel
- Round 7 – Japan (28–31 May): Asphalt
- Round 8 – Acropolis (Greece) (25–28 June): Gravel
- Round 9 – Estonia (16–19 July): Gravel
- Round 10 – Finland (30 July–2 August): Gravel
- Round 11 – Paraguay (27–30 August): Gravel
- Round 12 – Chile (10–13 September): Gravel
- Round 13 – Italy (1–4 October): TBC
- Round 14 – Saudi Arabia (11–14 November): Gravel
