The 2026 edition once again demonstrates the unique charm of an event capable of blending heritage, passion and motorsport culture. This year, one element stands out more than ever: 47 Italian crews, the largest Italian contingent of the past decade.
Six Starting Cities: Europe Converging Toward Monaco
As tradition dictates, the rally begins from six symbolic European cities, each contributing its atmosphere and heritage to the event:
Monte-Carlo – the most crowded starting point, with over 90 crews
Turin – the historic Italian departure, still one of the most popular
Reims – the classic Champagne-region start for many French teams
Barcelona – the natural hub for Spanish and Catalan competitors
Bad Homburg (Germany) – home of numerous German and Northern European teams
John O’Groats (Scotland) – the most extreme and evocative of the starting points
This “multi-start” format is a tribute to the Monte-Carlo rallies of the 1950s and 60s, where crews would drive across Europe to reach the Principality.
A Strong and Diverse Italian Delegation
The entry list includes 47 crews with at least one Italian member, representing historic teams such as Scuderia del Grifone, Scuderia Milano Autostoriche, Mirabella Senior/Junior, Classic Team Bassano, alongside many privateers and family crews.
A testament to the vitality of Italian historic rallying.
Well-Known Names on the Entry List
The 2026 edition features several iconic drivers whose presence adds prestige and passion:
Bruno Saby (No. 38)
Winner of the 1988 Rallye Monte-Carlo in the World Rally Championship — a true legend returning to the roads that marked his career.
Maurizio Verini (No. 83)
European Rally Champion 1975, one of the most celebrated drivers of the 1970s.
A Rolling Museum Across the Alps
The 2026 starting list brings together some of the most iconic cars in rally history:
Porsche 911, in various configurations
Lancia Fulvia HF, Stratos, Beta Montecarlo
Audi Quattro, Opel Ascona, Opel Kadett GTE
Mini Cooper S, Saab 96, Volvo Amazon, Austin-Healey
Each car is a chapter of motorsport history travelling across the Alpine stages.
2026 Updates: New Rules, Same Magic
Despite its deep respect for tradition, the 2026 edition will mark a small revolution within the Historique universe.
Regularity tests on closed roads
For the first time, all regularity stages will take place on fully closed roads, increasing safety and allowing more fluid and spectacular competition.
Mandatory helmet
With closed-road stages, a C.E.-approved helmet becomes mandatory — a step toward further professionalization of historic events.
Two selectable average speeds with separate classifications
Crews will choose between two average speeds, each with its own ranking.
A fairer system that considers the technical differences between cars spanning from the 1960s to the early 1980s.
Cars admitted up to 1986
The eligibility window extends to all cars that competed in the Monte-Carlo Rally up to January 1986, opening the Historique to legendary Group B machines, including:
Audi Sport Quattro S1
Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2
Lancia Delta S4
Renault 5 Maxi Turbo
A thrilling expansion that brings back the raw power and aura of the golden age of rallying.
Toward Five Days of Pure Legend
With the entry list now published, the countdown has begun.
Five days of iconic mountain passes, icy nights, roaring engines and the eternal charm of the Turini await.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique 2026 is ready to deliver emotions no other motorsport event can match.
