Rallye Monte-Carlo 2026: tradition, innovation and the challenge of winter asphalt

The Rallye Monte-Carlo once again opens the FIA World Rally Championship and, in 2026, it is set to confirm its status as one of the most fascinating and demanding events of the season. A true icon of motorsport, the Monte-Carlo Rally blends history, technical skill and strategy, challenging drivers and teams on roads where nothing can ever be taken for granted.

From 22 to 25 January, the 94th edition of the rally will take place, featuring 17 special stages and a total of 339.15 competitive kilometres, all run on asphalt. The route winds through the roads of the Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, combining confirmed classics with several new elements. This has been achieved despite the administrative and regulatory challenges faced in recent months by the Automobile Club de Monaco’s Organising Committee.

Among the most anticipated highlights is, as always, the legendary Col de Turini, a symbol of the Monte-Carlo Rally, where tight corners, changing rhythms and unpredictable weather conditions can dramatically alter the outcome of the event. Adding further excitement, the action will return to the heart of the Principality with the Super Special Stage in Monaco, scheduled for Saturday 24 January. This stage will see WRC cars back on the lower section of the city circuit for the first time since 2008.

Above all, the Rallye Monte-Carlo remains a strategic battle. Tyre choice will be crucial, as drivers must cope with dry, wet and icy sections, sometimes within the same special stage. The ability to “read” the road and adapt instantly to changing conditions will be key to success.

With a history dating back to 1911, winning the Rallye Monte-Carlo means joining an elite group and embracing a tradition that represents the very essence of rallying: precision, bravery and timeless charm.

The Rally Programme

Preliminary phases

• Reconnaissance: 18–20 January

• Shakedown: Thursday 21 January at 14:01, over 4.80 km on the Rabou road near Gap

Official start

The ceremonial start will take place on Thursday 22 January at 14:30 from the podium at Quai Albert Ier, Monaco.

The opening day includes three special stages covering 61.58 km, across the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence:

• Toudon / Saint-Antonin – 22.90 km (16:05)

• Esclangon / Seyne-les-Alpes – 23.48 km (18:38)

• Vaumeilh / Claret – 15.20 km (20:35)

Friday 23 January

The toughest day of the rally, with 129.38 competitive kilometres through the Drôme and Hautes-Alpes. A loop of three stages will be run twice:

• Laborel / Chauvac-Laux-Montaux – 17.84 km (08:54 / 15:16)

• Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert / La Motte-Chalancon – 29.00 km (10:22 / 16:44)

• La Bâtie-des-Fonts / Aspremont – 17.85 km (11:40 / 18:05)

Saturday 24 January

Competition moves to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence with 78.22 km of stages. The main novelty is:

• La Bréole / Bellaffaire – 30.10 km (08:31 / 12:31), run twice

This is complemented by another run of:

• Vaumeilh / Claret – 15.20 km (09:45)

In the late afternoon, the rally returns to Monaco for the Super Special Stage, a 2.82 km run (18:35) on the city circuit.

Sunday 25 January: the finale

The final day features two iconic stages, each run twice, for a total of 71.62 km:

• Col de Braus / La Cabanette – 12.48 km (08:05 / 11:09)

• La Bollène-Vésubie / Moulinet – 23.33 km (09:35 / 13:15)

The second pass of La Bollène-Vésubie / Moulinet will serve as the Wolf Power Stage, decisive for championship points.

The prize-giving ceremony will take place at 17:00 at Port Hercule, bringing to a close an edition that promises excitement, unpredictability and spectacular rally action.