Get ready, rally enthusiasts! The 2026 FIA Junior WRC calendar has just been unveiled, promising a season full of challenges and thrills. With five events spread across different continents, young drivers will have the opportunity to test their skills on varied terrains, ranging from the snowy roads of Sweden to the narrow paths of Chile.
A world tour in five stages
The 2026 season will be marked by a thrilling finale at Rally Chile Bio Bío, where double points will be at stake. This final stage could very well decide the champion, offering tension worthy of the greatest action films. Competitors will also traverse enchanting landscapes in Sweden, Croatia, Portugal, and Finland, each of these locations presenting unique challenges that will test not only the machines but also the raw talent of the young drivers.
Technical challenges at every turn
The championship is a true launchpad for future champions of the FIA World Rally Championship. Teams will use the Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evos, designed by M-Sport Poland, which have already proven themselves in varied conditions. The first rendezvous will take place on the icy roads of Sweden, a playground where control is essential. Imagine sliding on the snow, each turn being a test of skill and mastery. This is where novices will discover the excitement of winter rallying.
Croatia and the asphalt challenge
After the Swedish cold, it’s off to the Croatian warmth! The second event will take place around Zagreb, on mixed surfaces where the asphalt can become as slippery as a frying pan during a barbecue evening. The pace notes will need to be particularly precise, as conditions can change at any moment, adding a dose of adrenaline to the competition.
Back to the roots: Portugal
Portugal makes its return to the calendar as the third stage. Get ready to navigate sandy and bumpy roads that will test the drivers’ adaptability. These winding paths along the northwest coast will require as much skill as courage, as the Fiestas will have to juggle between speed and agility.
Finland: the land of forests and speed
The fourth stage takes us to the heart of Finland, often regarded as the spiritual home of rallying. The Secto Rally Finland is renowned for its fast roads that test drivers’ courage like never before. Imagine speeding through dense forests, feeling every bump and dip as a surge of pure adrenaline. Every turn could be the key to a record time or the start of a chaotic adventure.
An explosive epilogue in Chile
The 2026 champion will be crowned in the Chilean city of Concepción. This final stage promises to be spectacular with its narrow forest roads where speed is essential. The weather can also play a crucial role; expect torrential downpours that could turn the course into a true aquatic challenge. The combination of capricious weather and demanding tracks will only add suspense to this conclusion.
Emilia Abel, FIA Sporting Director, emphasizes: “The 2026 FIA Junior WRC calendar offers a clearly defined development pathway for the next generation of WRC talents. Each event represents a distinct technical challenge, essential for preparing these young drivers for the demands of higher categories.” A vision that promises not only spectacle but also solid training for these aspiring champions.
Maciej Woda, Manager of the FIA Junior WRC, adds that: “South America has produced a strong contingent of young drivers in recent years, making our visit there particularly relevant.” Indeed, the young hopefuls will need to prove their ability to adapt to a multitude of conditions if they hope to clinch the coveted title.
So there you have it! The FIA Junior WRC 2026 promises to be a true rally festival, combining diversity and technicality. With such an exciting mix of challenges, it will be fascinating to follow these young drivers as they attempt to make their mark in the demanding world of rallying.
