The European Rally Championship (ERC) is facing a change of plans for its 2026 season. The opening race, which was scheduled to take place in Hungary, has been called off due to financial difficulties encountered by the local organizers.
The Hungary rally, known for its challenging gravel roads, had become a regular part of the ERC calendar since its debut in 2019, although it was absent in 2022. Last year, the event saw Finland’s Roope Korhonen take the top spot.
With the cancellation of Rally Hungary, the ERC is now looking at a new starting point for the season. It is expected that the championship will now kick off in April with Rally Sierra Morena in Spain. This race is known for its smooth, paved roads, offering a different kind of challenge for the drivers and their teams.
The organizers of the ERC are actively working to find a replacement rally to fill the gap left by the Hungarian event. At this time, it is not clear where or when this replacement race might take place.
Iain Campbell, the ERC championship manager, has said that they are working hard to find a suitable replacement. He also thanked the Rally Hungary organizers for their past support and dedication to the championship.
Looking beyond the opening race, the ERC has a full schedule planned for 2026. After the expected start in Spain, the championship will head to Sweden in May for the Royal Rally of Scandinavia. In July, the competition will move to Italy for the Rally di Roma Capitale and then to Poland for Rally Poland.
As the summer continues, the ERC will visit the Czech Republic in August for the Barum Czech Rally Zlin. The season will then come to a close with races in Wales (Rali Ceredigion) in September and Portugal (Rally Five Cities) in October.
The ERC is a series of rally races held across Europe. Rallying is a type of motorsport where drivers race on public roads that are closed for the event. The races take place in various weather conditions and on different types of surfaces, such as gravel, asphalt, and snow. The ERC is a stepping stone for drivers who aspire to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC), the highest level of international rallying.
Each rally in the ERC typically lasts for several days and includes a series of timed stages. The drivers with the lowest combined time across all stages are declared the winners. The ERC attracts drivers and teams from all over Europe, showcasing a diverse range of talent and machinery. The championship provides a platform for manufacturers to test and develop their rally cars, and for drivers to hone their skills in a competitive environment.
The cancellation of Rally Hungary presents a challenge for the ERC, but organizers are working to ensure a smooth and exciting season for competitors and fans alike. The focus now shifts to finding a suitable replacement and preparing for the new season opener in Spain.
