The Automobile Club of Monaco has revealed an exciting new itinerary for the 94th Monte Carlo Rally, featuring the first return to Monaco’s street circuit since 2008.
Running from 22nd to 25th January 2026, the 94th edition will be based in Gap for the third consecutive year.
The headline attraction comes on Saturday 24th January, when rally cars will return to Monaco’s famous Formula 1 street circuit for the first time since 2008. The 2.82-kilometre super-special stage, scheduled for 17:45, will use the lower section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. The last time rally cars tackled this iconic circuit was in 2008, when Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena claimed victory in their Citroën C4.
Four-Day challenge
The rally begins in traditional fashion with an official start from Monaco’s Quai Albert 1er on Thursday 22nd January at 14:00, following Wednesday’s 4.80-kilometre shakedown session in Gap at 14:01. The shakedown, introduced in 2017 and extended this year, now uses the Routes de la Garde and de Rabou in Gap.
Thursday’s opening leg features three demanding stages counting 61.58 competitive kilometres across the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. The day begins with Toudon/Saint-Antonin covering 22.90 kilometres at 15:35, followed by the 23.48-kilometre Esclangon/Seyne-les-Alpes test at 18:03, before concluding with the 15.20-kilometre Vaumeilh/Claret stage at 19:51.
Friday represents the rally’s longest day with 129.38 times kilometres across the Drôme and Hautes-Alpes. Crews will tackle a loop of three stages run twice, consisting of Laborel/Chauvac-Laux-Montaux at 17.84 kilometres, the challenging Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert/La Motte-Chalancon test covering 29 kilometres, and La Bâtie-des-Fonts/Aspremont spanning 17.85 kilometres. These legendary roads, known for their technical traps and unpredictable weather conditions, will provide a decisive test for world championship contenders.
Saturday’s shortened but intense programme spans 78.22 kilometres, highlighted by the new La Bréole/Bellaffaire stage via Col des Garcinets – the rally’s longest single test at 30.10 kilometres, run twice. The day concludes with the eagerly anticipated Monaco Circuit super-special.
Sunday’s finale includes 71.62 kilometres across two stages run twice. The concluding battles will take place on Col de Braus/La Cabanette covering 12.48 kilometres and La Bollène-Vésubie/Moulinet spanning 23.33 kilometres, with the latter serving as the Wolf Power Stage on its second running at 13:15.
The complete route encompasses 17 special stages covering 340 competitive kilometres, with the victory ceremony scheduled for Monaco’s Port Hercule from 17:00 on Sunday 25 January.
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Main photo by Automobile Club de Monaco.