The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship is set to ignite the gravel, snow, and tarmac across 14 electrifying rounds around the globe. With the title battle likely to be fiercer than ever—especially after the razor-thin margins of the 2025 season—the new calendar offers a fresh blend of classic challenges and new opportunities for drivers, teams, and fans alike. From the icy corners of Monte-Carlo to the desert blasts of Saudi Arabia, every stage counts.
Here’s your ultimate round-by-round preview—what to expect, where strategies may shift, and who to watch as the road to the 2026 crown begins.
2026 WRC Round-by-Round Outlook
Round 1: Rallye Monte-Carlo (Jan 22–25)
Surface: Tarmac/Snow
Outlook: The unpredictable mix of dry asphalt, snow, and ice always puts tire choice under the spotlight. Expect the most experienced crews to shine—think Ogier, if he returns, or Tänak pulling an early lead.
Prediction: A veteran victory, likely decided by clever tire gambles.
Round 2: Rally Sweden (Feb 12–15)
Surface: Snow
Outlook: A pure snow rally and a high-speed spectacle. Scandinavian drivers like Kalle Rovanperä or Oliver Solberg will likely dominate.
Prediction: A Nordic driver takes the win; hybrid power will be pushed to its limits in the cold.
Round 3: Safari Rally Kenya (Mar 12–15)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: Brutal terrain, unpredictable weather, and wildlife hazards—this is a survival round. Car durability and patience will be key.
Prediction: Toyota and Hyundai will play it safe; dark horses could land a podium.
Round 4: Croatia Rally (Apr 9–12)
Surface: Tarmac
Outlook: Tight, twisty tarmac roads with blind crests—perfect for specialists. Watch Evans and Neuville here.
Prediction: Margin of error is razor-thin; expect drama.
Round 5: Rally Islas Canarias (Apr 23–26)
Surface: Tarmac
Outlook: First-time inclusion in the WRC calendar. With sweeping mountain tarmac and high-speed corners, expect learning curves for some.
Prediction: Advantage to WRC2 graduates familiar with the ERC.
Round 6: Rally de Portugal (May 7–10)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: Classic gravel test. The final Fafe jump is iconic, but tire conservation and road position will dictate the winner.
Prediction: Close battle between Toyota and M-Sport Ford.
Round 7: Rally Japan (May 28–31)
Surface: Tarmac
Outlook: Narrow forest roads and enthusiastic fans. Precision and mental endurance matter here.
Prediction: Toyota will aim for a home win.
Round 8: Acropolis Rally Greece (Jun 25–28)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: The “Rally of the Gods” returns. Heat and rough roads make it a true car-breaker.
Prediction: Crews will prioritize survival over speed.
Round 9: Rally Estonia (Jul 16–19)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: The fastest rally on the calendar. Jump-filled, flowing gravel stages favor drivers with confidence and reflexes.
Prediction: Rovanperä country—he’ll be hard to beat here.
Round 10: Rally Finland (Jul 30–Aug 2)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: The season’s crown jewel. Every millisecond counts on these high-speed stages with massive jumps.
Prediction: A Finn vs. Finn showdown. Pajari might surprise.
Round 11: Rally del Paraguay (Aug 27–30)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: A new South American challenge. Unknowns for most crews—expect unpredictability and dust.
Prediction: Drivers with solid gravel pace will rise; could be a defining wildcard round.
Round 12: Rally Chile Bio Bío (Sep 10–13)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: Fast, flowing gravel with heavy fog risks. Team strategies will focus on timing and clean execution.
Prediction: Expect Hyundai to go all-in for points here.
Round 13: Rally Italia (Oct 1–4)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: Sardinia’s narrow gravel paths and punishing heat make this a tactical war.
Prediction: A top team could falter here—watch for shakeups in the standings.
Round 14: Rally Saudi Arabia (Nov 11–14)
Surface: Gravel
Outlook: A debut finale with desert landscapes and high-speed sections. Heat management and sand experience will be key.
Prediction: The championship could be decided here—pressure will be sky-high.
Final Thoughts
2026 could be the most unpredictable WRC season in years. With two new events (Canarias and Saudi Arabia), and the return of crowd-favorites like Safari Kenya and Rally Japan, the title race is wide open. Strategy, adaptability, and endurance will determine who lifts the crown.
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