Get ready for a seismic shift in the World Rally Championship calendar as plans for a second Asia/Pacific event are set to shake things up in 2026! The recent unveiling of the 14-round calendar for next year sent shockwaves through the WRC community with major changes on the horizon.
Say goodbye to Rally USA and the Central European Rally, as they make way for new contenders in the championship lineup. The spotlight, however, falls on Japan and Italy as they make a dramatic switch in hosting duties. Japan’s move from November to late May aims to inject new energy into the championship, while Italy steps up to host the penultimate round in October.
According to WRC event director Simon Larkin, the reshuffling serves multiple purposes, from providing a strategic break in the schedule to optimizing logistics for future expansions in the Asia/Pacific region. Talks are already underway with Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and China to potentially fill that coveted second event slot, with an announcement expected in the coming months.

Excitement is at an all-time high as the WRC explores the possibility of expanding the calendar to 15 rounds, with manufacturers and teams eagerly anticipating the upcoming developments. The return of Indonesia to the WRC after more than two decades, coupled with the keen interest from New Zealand and Australia, paints a promising picture for the championship’s future.
In the midst of all this upheaval, the location of Italy’s round remains up in the air, fueling speculation about where the gravel rally will take place. Could it be the rugged terrain of Sardinia or the historic streets of Rome? The suspense is palpable as discussions continue to unfold.
But that’s not all – brace yourselves for a groundbreaking change in this year’s Rally Saudi Arabia season finale, with a shift to a Wednesday to Saturday schedule. The move aims to engage local spectators and immerse them in the full rally experience, marking a new chapter in the championship’s history.
As the WRC gears up for these monumental transformations, one thing is clear – the rallying world is in for a wild ride with twists and turns at every corner. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to 2026 begins!