Gap, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France2026-01-22 to 2026-01-25
About This Event
The oldest event on the WRC calendar — first held in 1911 and run continuously across its founding Alpes-Maritimes and Hautes-Alpes roads. Seventeen special stages on a mix of dry asphalt, slush, sheet ice and snow, where tyre choice defines the result as conditions shift from Alpine sunshine to blizzard within hours.
What to Expect
Opening round of the 2026 WRC season contested over four days
Saturday evening Super Special Stage on Port Hercule streets, first since 2008
WRC2 and WRC3 support categories compete alongside Rally1 machines
Gap-based fan zone with live broadcasts, driver interviews and autograph sessions
Col de Turini run at night, drawing thousands to the "Night of Turini"
Best Way to Experience It
All Alpine stages free to spectators; Port Hercule Super Special open to public
Early arrival essential for best trackside positions on mountain stages
Monaco Fan Zone on Quai Antoine Ier offers simulators, WRC car display and giant screens
Good to Know
Stage maps and real-time safety updates available on official Rally Monte-Carlo website
Weather-suitable clothing required for Alpine stages
Service park located in Gap throughout the rally
Parking des Salines recommended for Port Hercule access, 1,700 spaces, 16-minute walk
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value motorsport heritage — 94th edition of rally's oldest event since 1911 founding, WRC calendar's most prestigious round, Prince Albert I legacy still celebrated through Monaco circuit stage.
Best fit if you enjoy championship-opening rounds — Season opener sets tone for 2026 WRC title fight, drivers arrive with fresh championship ambitions, Round 1 results establish early points advantage across WRC, WRC2, WRC3 categories.
Best fit if you like weather-dependent competitions — French Alps tyre lottery creates dramatic strategy battles, mix of dry asphalt, slush, sheet ice, snow across 17 stages means wrong tyre choice loses minutes overnight.
Not ideal if you prefer predictable racing conditions — Famously the most unpredictable WRC event, mountain weather shifts from Alpine sunshine to blizzards mid-stage, road closures and schedule changes common during rally week.
