2026 ERC calendar: full European Rally Championship schedule
The 2026 ERC calendar has been officially revealed, outlining another exciting season of high-intensity rallying across Europe. Featuring a mix of gravel and tarmac events, the European Rally Championship continues to showcase emerging talent, experienced rally stars, and some of the most challenging stages on the continent.
For rally fans in South Africa and beyond, the 2026 ERC calendar promises close competition, iconic locations, and a clear pathway that connects the ERC with the world’s top-level rally series.
What is the ERC?
The European Rally Championship, commonly known as the ERC, is one of the most prestigious rally championships outside the World Rally Championship. Sanctioned by the FIA, it serves as a critical development platform for drivers, co-drivers, and teams aiming to progress to the highest level of international rallying.
The ERC is known for its technical variety. Drivers must adapt quickly between gravel and tarmac events, different climates, and unique regional rally styles. This diversity makes the championship both unpredictable and highly competitive throughout the season.
2026 ERC calendar overview
The 2026 ERC calendar features eight rounds spread across Europe, balancing traditional rally nations with a variety of road surfaces. From early-season gravel rallies to decisive late-year events, the schedule is designed to test consistency, adaptability, and outright speed.
Several rallies return as established favourites in the 2026 ERC calendar, while the spacing of events allows teams time to regroup, develop cars, and refine strategies as the championship battle unfolds.
2026 ERC racing schedule
| Round | Country | Rally | Surface | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hungary | Rally Hungary | Gravel | 20–22 March |
| 2 | Spain | Rally Sierra Morena | Tarmac | 17–19 April |
| 3 | Sweden | Royal Rally of Scandinavia | Gravel | 22–24 May |
| 4 | Italy | Rally di Roma Capitale | Tarmac | 3–5 July |
| 5 | Poland | Rally Poland | Tarmac | 24–26 July |
| 6 | Czech Republic | Barum Czech Rally Zlín | Tarmac | 14–16 August |
| 7 | United Kingdom | Rally Ceredigion | Tarmac | 4–6 September |
| 8 | Portugal | Rally Five Cities | Gravel | 9–11 October |
What to expect from the 2026 season
The 2026 ERC season is expected to deliver tight championship battles, especially with the continued emphasis on Rally2 machinery. These cars provide a level playing field that puts the focus squarely on driver skill, pace notes, and team strategy.
Fans can also expect strong participation from factory-supported teams and national rally champions stepping up to the European stage. With points on the line at every round, consistency across the full calendar will be just as important as outright wins.
ERC Junior Calendar 2026
The ERC Junior Calendar 2026 plays an important role within the wider 2026 ERC calendar, showcasing the next generation of rally talent competing on the same iconic stages as Europe’s top crews. This category adds depth to the championship by giving young drivers international exposure and a clear pathway into senior ERC competition.
As part of the broader 2026 ERC calendar, the ERC Junior category follows a carefully selected rally schedule designed to test developing drivers across different surfaces, conditions, and rally formats.
What is the ERC Junior Championship?
The ERC Junior Championship is a support category within the FIA European Rally Championship, aimed at nurturing young rally drivers and co-drivers. It typically features age-restricted competitors driving Rally4-spec cars, ensuring close competition and an emphasis on skill, consistency, and teamwork rather than outright power.
Within the 2026 ERC calendar, the ERC Junior series allows competitors to gain experience at the international level while racing alongside established ERC teams. Success in this category often leads to progression into ERC3, ERC4, or even full ERC entries in future seasons.
ERC Junior Calendar 2026 – Provisional Schedule
Below is the provisional ERC Junior Calendar 2026, aligned with selected rounds from the main 2026 ERC calendar:
| Round | Rally | Location (Country) | Date | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇸🇪 Bauhaus Royal Rally of Scandinavia | Sweden | 22 – 24 May | Gravel |
| 2 | 🇮🇹 Rally di Roma Capitale | Italy | 03 – 05 July | Tarmac |
| 3 | 🇵🇱 82nd Rally Poland | Poland | 24 – 26 July | Gravel |
| 4 | 🇨🇿 Barum Czech Rally Zlín | Czech Republic | 14 – 16 August | Tarmac |
| 5 | 🇬🇧 JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion | United Kingdom | 04 – 06 September | Tarmac |
| 6 | 🇵🇹 Rally Five Cities North of Portugal | Portugal | 09 – 11 October | Tarmac |
ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy 2026 Calendar
The ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy 2026 adds another competitive layer to the 2026 ERC calendar, focusing on four-wheel-drive Rally3 machinery and driver development at a higher performance level. This trophy provides an important stepping stone between junior categories and full ERC championship entries.
Integrated into the wider 2026 ERC calendar, the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy features a compact but demanding schedule, combining classic ERC events with a mix of gravel and tarmac rallies across Europe.
What is the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy?
The ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy is a one-make competition within the FIA European Rally Championship, exclusively for Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars. It is designed to help drivers gain experience with four-wheel-drive rally cars while competing in an international championship environment.
Within the 2026 ERC calendar, this trophy offers close competition, controlled costs, and clear progression opportunities. It is widely seen as a key development platform for drivers aiming to move into Rally2 machinery and full ERC campaigns.
ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy 2026 – Confirmed Schedule
The following events form the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy 2026 calendar, all aligned with the official 2026 ERC calendar:
| Round | Rally | Location (Country) | Date | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rally Hungary | Hungary | 20 – 22 March | Gravel |
| 2 | 43rd Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena – Córdoba World Heritage Site | Spain | 17 – 19 April | Tarmac |
| 3 | BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia | Sweden | 22 – 24 May | Gravel |
| 4 | Rally di Roma Capitale | Italy | 03 – 05 July | Tarmac |
| 5 | 82nd Rally Poland | Poland | 24 – 26 July | Gravel |
How to watch the ERC in South Africa
South African rally fans have several options to follow the ERC throughout the 2026 season:
- DStv SuperSport (Channel 215) – Selected ERC highlights and rally coverage depending on broadcast schedules
- Official ERC website – Live timing, stage reports, standings, and event news
- ERC YouTube channel – Highlights, onboard footage, interviews, and special features
These platforms make it easy to stay connected to the championship no matter where the rallies are held.
A season that defines rising rally stars
The 2026 ERC calendar reinforces the championship’s role as a proving ground for future rally champions. With a balanced mix of surfaces, iconic European locations, and growing global visibility, the season is set to deliver drama from the opening round in Hungary to the gravel showdown in Portugal. For fans who love pure rally competition, the ERC remains essential viewing.
