The 94th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo will return from January 22nd to 25th, opening the FIA World Rally Championship season with a significantly revised and more demanding route and a special stage at Monaco’s iconic street circuit.
Preparations begin on Sunday January 18th, as teams inspect and try out the course, a process that spreads through to Tuesday January 20th. A reworked shakedown stage follows on Wednesday January 21st at 14:01, with competitors tackling an extended 4.80km test in Gap. First introduced in 2017 and extended in 2026, the shakedown now incorporates the Routes de la Garde and Rabou, offering crews a more representative test ahead of competition.
Then, the rally officially begins on Thursday January 22nd with the ceremonial kick-off taking place around 14:30 at Quai Albert 1er. The opening leg features three demanding stages, covering 61.58 competitive kilometres through the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence regions. The action begins with Toudon/ Saint-Antonin (22.90km), followed by Esclangon/Seyne-les-Alpes (23.48), before concluding with Vaumeilh/Claret (15.20km).
However, the action will intensify even more on Friday, the event’s longest day, as crews face six stages totalling 129.38 kilometres across the DrĂ´me and Hautes-Alpes. Crews will contest a loop of three classic stages run twice: Laborel / Chauvac-Laux-Montaux (17.84 km), Saint-Nazaire-le-DĂ©sert / La Motte-Chalancon (29.00 km), and La Bâtie-des-Fonts / Aspremont (17.85 km). Known for their technical complexity and unpredictable winter conditions, these roads are expected to play a crucial role in the fight for victory.
The return to Monaco’s street circuit
Following, Saturday’s programme may be shorter but no less intense, introducing a major highlight with the debut of the ‘La BrĂ©ole / Bellaffaire’ stage via the Col des Garcinets Pass, run twice. The day concludes with the much anticipated return to the Principality for the Monaco Circuit super-special, a welcome return of a spectacle not seen in nearly two decades.
The decisive final day on Sunday features four stages totalling 71.62 kilometres. Classic mountain tests ‘Col de Braus/ La Cabanette’ and ‘La Bollène-VĂ©subie / Moulinet’ will each be run twice, with the latter’s second pass designated as the Wolf Power Stage, offering vital championship bonus points.
The rally concludes with the podium ceremony at Port Hercule at 17pm on Sunday January 25th, crowning the first winners at the 2026 Word Rally Championship season.
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Main photo credit: Automobile Club de Monaco