The Automobile Club de Monaco has officially confirmed the finalised format of the 94th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo, overcoming a series of administrative and regulatory hurdles with trademark precision and adaptability. Set to launch the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship* (WRC) season, this legendary event promises an exhilarating start to the year, drawing world-class teams and drivers from every corner of the globe.
Reconnaissance for the event will take place from Sunday, January 18 to Tuesday, January 20, followed by a revised shakedown session on Wednesday, January 21 at 14:01. The 4.80 km route, first used in 2017 and now extended, incorporates the Rabou road near Gap—a city that previously hosted the rally from 2014 to 2021 and again in 2024—highlighting the route’s evolving technical demands.
The competitive action begins on Thursday 22 January at 14:00 from the ceremonial start ramp at Monaco’s Quai Albert 1er. The opening leg comprises three special stages across the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: “Toudon to Saint-Antonin”, “Esclangon to Seyne-les-Alpes”, and “Vaumeilh to Claret”. With dusk settling in and unpredictable road conditions, the first leg is primed for drama.
Friday’s route will stretch across the departments of Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, delivering the rally’s longest and most demanding day. Competitors will face a trio of technical stages—“Laborel to Chauvac-Laux-Montaux”, “Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert to La Motte-Chalancon”, and “La Bâtie-des-Fonts to Aspremont”—each run twice for a total of 129.38 km against the clock. This leg is expected to be a decisive test of endurance and precision.
Saturday’s itinerary, while shorter in length, remains intense and predominantly based in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It includes the brand-new “La Bréole to Bellaffaire” via the Garcinets pass, paired with a daylight reprise of the “Vaumeilh to Claret” stage from Thursday. In a nostalgic nod to the rally’s heritage, the route returns to Monaco on Saturday afternoon, concluding with a potential super special stage on the lower section of the famed Monaco Circuit. If confirmed, it would mark the first such feature since 2008—a fitting prelude to the final day.
Sunday’s finale promises a high-stakes showdown with four stages totalling 71.62 km in the Alpes-Maritimes. Drivers will tackle two iconic climbs—“Col de Braus to La Cabanette” and “La Bollène-Vésubie to Moulinet”. The second run of the latter will serve as the Wolf Power Stage, offering vital championship points at the very last moment.
The 94th edition of the Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo will conclude with the official podium ceremony at Port Hercule from 17:00 on Sunday, bringing an end to what is poised to be one of the most compelling starts to a WRC season in recent memory.
