The 2026 Monte Carlo Rally, also known as the 94e Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo, took center stage from January 22 to 25, 2026, captivating rally enthusiasts around the globe. This thrilling event not only marked the 94th installment of the Monte Carlo Rally but also served as the opening round for the 2026 World Rally Championship, the WRC2 Championship, and the WRC3 Championship. Based in Gap, situated in the picturesque Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, the rally featured a series of seventeen special stages, with a competitive distance totaling 339.15 km (210.74 mi).
Among the notable contenders was the defending champion Sébastien Ogier, who, alongside co-driver Vincent Landais, aimed to reclaim their title from the previous year. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, the manufacturer champions, were also keen on continuing their success. In the WRC2 category, last year's champions Yohan Rossel and Arnaud Dunand came prepared, while Arthur Pelamourges and Bastien Pouget sought to defend their WRC3 title.
The event concluded with a thrilling victory for the duo of Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson. Their remarkable performance not only clinched the overall win but also enabled Toyota to defend their manufacturer's title in spectacular fashion. "To win here, at such a historic rally, is just unbelievable for us," Solberg stated, reflecting on their impressive achievement. The victory saw them crossing the finish line in a total time of 4:24:59.0.
In the WRC2 category, Léo Rossel and Guillaume Mercoiret triumphed, showcasing their skill and determination with a winning time of 4:37:57.4. "Every bit of hard work has paid off, and we are tremendously excited to have achieved this at Monte Carlo," said Rossel after their success.
Similarly, Eric Royère and Alexis Grenier took home the WRC3 championship, finishing with a time of 5:36:47.5. "This win adds another fantastic chapter to our story; we couldn't have imagined better conditions or a more thrilling rally," Royère commented after their victory.
As one would expect from the Monte Carlo Rally, the stages presented a mix of tarmac and snow, a challenging combination that put drivers' skills to the ultimate test. The start was rooted in the stunning surroundings of Monaco, with the event making its way through various beautiful locations before concluding in Moulinet, Alpes-Maritimes, France.
The rally saw participation from a total of 66 registered crews, with many prominent competitors eyeing their chances at glory. Among them were eleven crews adhering to Rally1 regulations, alongside twenty-five Rally2 competitors and five Rally3 teams vying for success in their respective categories. 65 crews commenced the rally, with 48 completing the challenging course.
The total distance for the event culminated at a staggering 1,553.22 km (965.13 miles), inclusive of the transport distance of 1,214.07 km (754.39 miles). This journey not only tested the limits of the vehicles but also the endurance of the teams.
In another highlight, the Power Stage was won by United Kingdom's Elfyn Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin, representing Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, delivering a strong performance with a time of 20:06.7. "We pushed really hard during the Power Stage, and it feels great to extract every bit of potential from our car," Evans remarked. This victory awarded them crucial championship points, proving the significance of every stage in such a competitive environment.
With the 2026 Monte Carlo Rally firmly underway, teams will now focus their sights on upcoming events within the season. As the World Rally Championship progresses, anticipation builds surrounding potential rivalries and continued excellence from teams like Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT. Given the level of competition displayed in this inaugural rally, fans are eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds—both on the roads and in the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide.