2026 WRC Season Launched in Monaco as Lancia Returns and Ogier Leads Rallye Monte-Carlo Build-Up

Monaco: The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season was officially launched on Saturday evening against the iconic backdrop of Monaco Harbour, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, setting the stage for another thrilling year of world-class rallying.

For the first time, the 2026 WRC cars lined up together in their new liveries, dazzling amid the glamour of the Principality. The ceremonial event marked several major milestones ahead of the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo, which gets underway next week.

Lancia Makes Historic WRC Return

One of the standout moments of the evening was the long-awaited return of Lancia to the World Rally Championship. The legendary Italian marque will compete in WRC2 this season with the all-new Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale, reigniting memories of its storied rally heritage.

The Lancia Ypsilon, alongside the Škoda Fabia RS, took to the stage ahead of the Rally1 cars. Škoda Motorsport is celebrating a landmark year in 2026, marking 125 years of the brand’s motorsport legacy.

“This is an iconic brand. I’ve looked at so many images and videos from Lancia’s past, and this is a dream come true for me,” said Lancia driver Yohan Rossel.

New Faces and Familiar Names in Rally1

M-Sport Ford were the first Rally1 team to appear, with particular attention on Jon Armstrong, a 2026 newcomer to the top class. The 2025 FIA European Rally Championship runner-up will make his Rallye Monte-Carlo debut next week.

“It’s definitely a dream come true. We know it will be a big challenge, but we’ll try to enjoy it and learn as quickly as possible,” Armstrong said.

Also debuting in a Rally1 car for the upcoming event is Hayden Paddon, who returns to Hyundai Motorsport for a part-time programme. The New Zealander’s appearance marks his first WRC top-category outing since 2018.

“We certainly didn’t expect to be standing here at the start of Rallye Monte-Carlo. Having little time to think about it was probably a good thing,” said the former WRC rally winner.

Toyota and Ogier Close the Ceremony in Style

The evening concluded with 2025 WRC Manufacturers’ Champions Toyota GAZOO Racing, led by reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier. The nine-time world champion will begin the 2026 season carrying the number 1 on his car for the first time since 2022.

“I’m still super excited to come here to Rallye Monte-Carlo to start the season. It’s a very special place for rallying,” Ogier said.

To cap off the celebrations, Prince Albert II of Monaco was presented with a specially signed WRC helmet by WRC Promoter CEO Jona Siebel, featuring signatures from all competing crews.

Rallye Monte-Carlo Set to Ignite 2026 WRC Season

Rallye Monte-Carlo officially begins on Thursday, 22 January, with a ceremonial start in Monaco before crews head into the French Alps for three challenging night stages. The rally returns to the Principality on Saturday for the Monaco Circuit Super Special Stage, before the winner is crowned on Sunday following the decisive Wolf Power Stage.