The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship will feature a stable 14-round calendar across five continents, highlighted by the return of Rally Croatia and the introduction of mandatory rest periods and updated engine regulations
Following the recent expansion of the calendar, the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship will move forward with a stable and well-established schedule, featuring no new events and marking the welcome return of fan-favourite Rally Croatia.
The championship will comprise 14 rounds held across five continents, with world titles contested in Rally1, Rally2 and Rally3 categories, all running on tyres supplied by official partner Hankook Tire. The calendar will include four asphalt rallies, nine gravel events and one round on ice and snow, underlining the diverse and demanding nature of the WRC.
For the first time, mandatory rest periods will be introduced in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026. The new regulations formally define competition and rest hours throughout each rally.
Minimum requirements have been set for overnight recovery, with total rest time across an event required to match total competition hours, excluding the opening day. Daily rest periods must not drop below ten hours, while at least one day per rally must provide a minimum of twelve hours of recovery.
These changes aim to improve consistency between events and enhance rest and recovery opportunities for crews, teams, officials and volunteers.
In addition, revised regulations concerning engine replacement have been implemented. The updated rules clearly define the conditions under which an engine may be replaced during a rally, with the exception of Rally1 cars nominated to score manufacturers’ points.
Any competitor who replaces an engine will incur a 60-minute time penalty and will be ineligible to score points in any FIA Championship or Cup at that event.
Photo Credits: Toyota
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