Junior WRC
Junior WRC’s class of 2026 ready for Rally Sweden challenge
The future stars of rallying will take centre stage next month as the FIA Junior WRC launches its 2026 season on the snow and ice of Rally Sweden (12 - 15 February).
Six crews from across Europe will contest the opening round of the five-event series, all competing in identical M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo machinery. Powered by a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine producing around 235bhp and equipped with four-wheel drive and a five-speed sequential gearbox, a level playing field ensures that driver skill, adaptability and mental strength remain the decisive factors.
With Hankook supplying control tyres and Wolf Lubricants continuing its support of the championship, Junior WRC once again provides a proven ladder to the top of the FIA World Rally Championship. Past graduates include Sébastien Loeb, Elfyn Evans and Sami Pajari. The 2026 champion will earn a life-changing prize package featuring four arrive-and-drive WRC2 starts in a Fiesta Rally2 during the 2027 season.
Sweden sets the tone
Rally Sweden’s fast, frozen forest roads provide one of the most specialist challenges in world rallying. For several crews, it will also mark their first competitive outing on snow at world championship level - a factor that could shape the early title picture.
The contenders
Ali Türkkan / Oytun Albayrak (TUR) return as the highest-placed drivers from the 2025 season. Third overall last year and winners of the Acropolis Rally Greece, the Turkish pairing arrive with unfinished business and begin the campaign as the benchmark for the field.
Türkkan said: “We’re back, stronger than ever! This is a championship where rally legends are born. After our first Junior WRC victory last season and then a title win that slipped away in the final round, we’re coming back for more. Big thanks to my family and Castrol Ford Team Türkiye for the support.”
Craig Rahill / Conor Smith (IRL) step onto the world stage following a breakout FIA Junior ERC campaign. The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy crew claimed a standout victory at Barum Czech Rally Zlín in 2025 and will be aiming to transfer that form to the global arena.
Rahill commented: “I’m incredibly excited to compete in the Junior WRC in 2026. It’s a significant step up but Conor and I have worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity. The championship is a vital stepping stone towards the WRC and a fantastic chance to measure ourselves against the best young talent in the sport.”
Calle Carlberg / Jørgen Eriksen (SWE/NOR) arrive as reigning FIA Junior ERC champions, earning their Junior WRC entry through prize drives after a dominant European season. For Carlberg, beginning his campaign on home roads in Sweden represents a dream start.
“I’m super happy to be in the Junior WRC for 2026, especially starting with Rally Sweden,” Carlberg said. “It’s a dream for me to see my name on the entry list of my home rally. I’ll try my very best to make the most of this opportunity.”
Kerem Kazaz / Corentin Silvestre (TUR/FRA) return for a second Junior WRC campaign after finishing fourth overall in 2025. Backed once again by Team Petrol Ofisi, Kazaz enters the season with valuable experience on most rounds.
“I am very happy to be back in the Junior WRC for a second year with the support of Team Petrol Ofisi,” he said. “I hope to have a better result this year.”
Leevi Lassila / Mikko Lukka (FIN) begin their first full season in FIA Junior WRC, with Lassila having previously made a guest appearance at Secto Rally Finland in 2024 after winning the AKK Sports Flying Finn programme. Lassila’s natural speed, combined with the experience of 2020 WRC3 champion co-driver Lukka, makes the Finnish pairing immediate contenders on the season opener.
Gil Membrado / Adrián Pérez (ESP) complete the line-up as one of the most highly anticipated arrivals in recent Junior WRC history. The youngest-ever Spanish Superchampionship winner steps onto the world stage following a remarkable 2025 season in Rally2 machinery.
Membrado said: “I am really excited to start my first Junior WRC event. Rally Sweden will be very demanding, with lots of snow and very low temperatures, but I’m ready to start this journey.”
Following Sweden, the FIA Junior WRC will tackle a full spectrum of rallies across Croatia (asphalt), Portugal (gravel) and Finland (gravel), before the season concludes at Rally Chile Bio Bío (gravel), where double classification points will be on offer.
Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager, said: “The Junior WRC continues to be one of the most important stepping stones in rallying, and the 2026 line-up underlines that once again. We have a strong mix of returning contenders and exciting new talent, all competing in equal machinery. Starting the season on snow in Sweden will immediately set a high bar, and we’re looking forward to another season that will challenge and develop the next generation of WRC drivers.”
