WRC
Monaco gears up for 2026 WRC season launch
Monaco will once again provide a spectacular backdrop for the launch of the 2026 WRC season, with the event taking place this Saturday in the Rallye Monte-Carlo fan zone at Port de Monaco.
With the traditional season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo now just one week away, crews from across the 2026 championship will be welcomed on stage in the Principality by Prince Albert II of Monaco. It marks the official start of a 14-round season which will traverse four continents over the next 11 months.
The launch will be the first opportunity to see the 2026 cars lined up together in their new liveries. It will also mark rookie Jon Armstrong’s first official public appearance as a M-Sport Ford Rally1 driver. At the other end of the spectrum, New Zealand veteran Hayden Paddon returns to the stage as a WRC driver for the first time since 2018.
It won’t just be Rally1 machinery drawing the crowds. Anticipation for Lancia’s return to the championship via WRC2 will build when the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale makes its stage debut, while Škoda Motorsport will also be represented with the Fabia RS Rally2 as it celebrates its 125th anniversary year.
Monaco will return to the spotlight on Thursday (22 January) when the 66-car field makes the journey from the service park in Gap down to the harbour for the rally’s ceremonial start. Cars will then return again on Saturday night for the much-anticipated super special stage, which takes in part of the iconic Monaco Grand Prix Circuit.
Rally1 and Rally2 cars will remain on display throughout the week in the fan zone, alongside a selection of other vehicles from each manufacturer’s garage. Fans unable to make the trip into the French Alps will also be able to follow every stage live on a big screen.
