WRC 2026: Kenya Set for Rally

WRC 2026: Kenya Set for Rally

Get ready for the Safari Rally Kenya, happening from March 12-15, 2026! This exciting event is part of the newly approved 14-round FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, which stretches across four continents.

According to the FIA’s recently released calendar, Kenya is set to be the third round of the season, right after Monte Carlo on January 25 and Sweden on February 15.

Just a month later, Kenya will showcase its famous gravel rally, continuing its tradition as one of the most thrilling and scenic events on the WRC lineup.

Kenya’s role in the World Rally Championship (WRC) has been solidified with a renewed agreement since 2020. The original five-year contract has been extended by an additional year, which means that 2026 could be a pivotal moment for the future of rallying in the country.

The full calendar features exciting rounds in Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Greece, and wraps up the season in Chile, Italy, and Saudi Arabia on November 15.

Kicking off the season is the Rallye Monte-Carlo, taking place from January 22 to 25, where teams will navigate the icy alpine roads of France in one of the most legendary rally locations.

Adding to the excitement, a stunning street stage in downtown Monte Carlo on Saturday evening brings an extra layer of drama and glamour to what is already a challenging weekend.

This season promises a mix of snow, gravel, and asphalt events, including the return of rounds in the Canary Islands and Paraguay after their debut in 2025, all leading up to the desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia from November 11 to 14.

The first half of the year is shaping up to be an exciting mix of surfaces. We’ve got asphalt rallies in Croatia, the Canary Islands, and Japan, which beautifully contrast with the snowy landscapes of Sweden and the gravel tracks in Kenya and Portugal. This variety kicks off the season on a high note!

Importantly, moving Rally Japan to May brings a significant advantage for the sport. By breaking up what would have been a long stretch of gravel rallies, this change helps minimize the effects of road sweeping for the early leaders in the championship. It’s a great move that underscores the WRC’s dedication to creating fairer and more competitive racing conditions.

“This is a calendar built with purpose,” said WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel. “It’s diverse, it flows well, and it reflects the feedback we’ve had from teams, drivers and stakeholders. We’ve put real thought into how the sequence of events can impact the sporting fight.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The 2026 WRC calendar is a powerful reflection of the championship’s global strength and appeal. It combines the heritage of iconic rallies with the return of newer events in regions where participation and interest in rallying continues to grow.”

The full 2026 FIA World Rally Championship calendar is listed below: