Monte Carlo Rally has broken its own rules for the 2026 season to ensure no driver misses out on the 94th edition of motorsports most iconic winter event. 

While its initial capacity was at 60 entries, the rally will now welcome 66 crews when it gets underway from 22nd to 25th January as the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The expansion required what organisers called a “logistical tour de force”, particularly for managing the service park at Gap Fontreyne.

Leading the charge will be world champions Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. The Hautes-Alpes native is hunting a record-breaking 11th Monte Carlo victory, though he faces stiff competition from 10 other Rally1 machines.

Toyota has entered five crews while Hyundai and M-Sport Ford field three each. Among the main challengers are two-time Monte Carlo winners Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, plus Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria, who impressed with third place in 2025. Meanwhile, Grégoire Munster will attempt the demanding double of competing at both the Dakar Rally and Monte Carlo within days of each other.

Following, the WRC2 category has attracted 25 entries and features one of the weekend’s biggest storylines: Lancia’s official return to rallying. The Italian marque will field the Ypsilon HF with crews including Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin among the favourites.

Lastly, a new generation is also making its mark. Oliver Solberg will drive a Rally1 Toyota, while WRC2 features Pablo Sarrazin and Elliot Delecour, sons of formers rally champions.

The full entry list represents 22 nationalities and nine manufacturers, with administrative checks beginning in just 13 days.

See also: 

2026 Monte Carlo Rally to return to F1 street circuit with fresh route

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Main photo credit: Automobile Club de Monaco