The FIA WRC has released a 14-rally calendar for 2026 season with changes, as Hyundai firms participation next season.
The season begins at Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22 – 25 January, with crews tackling France’s icy alpine roads in one of rallying’s most iconic settings. A spectacular street stage in downtown Monte Carlo on Saturday evening adds extra drama and glamour to an already demanding weekend. It’s the start of a calendar that blends snow, gravel and asphalt events – including returning rounds in the Canary Islands and Paraguay following their introductions in 2025 – before culminating in the desert terrain of Saudi Arabia from 11 – 14 November.
Notably, the opening half of the year brings a welcome mix of surfaces. Asphalt rallies in Croatia, the Canary Islands and Japan complement the snow of Sweden and gravel outings in Kenya and Portugal, ensuring variety from the very start of the season.
Crucially, the decision to reposition Rally Japan into a May slot adds a meaningful sporting benefit. By interrupting what would otherwise be a long sequence of gravel rallies, the move helps to limit the impact of road sweeping for early championship leaders – reinforcing WRC’s commitment to fairer, more competitive conditions.
“This is a calendar built with purpose,” said WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel. “It’s diverse, it flows well, and it reflects the feedback we’ve had from teams, drivers and stakeholders. We’ve put real thought into how the sequence of events can impact the sporting fight.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The 2026 WRC calendar is a powerful reflection of the championship’s global strength and appeal. It combines the heritage of iconic rallies with the return of newer events in regions where participation and interest in rallying continues to grow.”
Hyundai in WRC in 2026 –
Along with the calendar, Hyundai confirmed its participation in 2026 WRC season. Although its future beyond the next year is not certain still. “We are pleased to confirm that Hyundai Motorsport will continue its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026,” read a brief statement from Hyundai Motorsport president Cyril Abiteboul.
“This decision reflects the strong momentum we’ve built in recent events and the regulatory support from the FIA, which will allow us to further develop our Rally1 car and remain competitive at the highest level. This additional season also gives us the time to shape the future of Hyundai Motorsport with greater confidence.”
[The story is as per press release]