Change of course. Those who were already celebrating the funeral for the world's most famous regularity rally, which seemed to be going the way of the ‘sports meeting’ will be disappointed.
The Automobile Club de Monaco has officially revealed the first details of the 2026 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, set to take place from January 31 to February 7. While the event remains a tribute to the golden age of rallying, this year’s edition brings significant updates—both technical and historical—that promise to reshape the very nature of the competition.
For the first time ever, regularity stages will be run on closed roads, a move designed to enhance safety and raise the spectacle. With no external traffic, the routes can now be more challenging, more scenic, and more dynamic. As a direct result, wearing a C.E.-approved helmet will be mandatory, a clear signal of the increasingly professional standards being adopted, even in the world of historic motorsport.
Participants will also be able to choose between two average speeds for the stages, each with its own ranking system—allowing for greater strategic variety and inclusivity, depending on the capabilities of the vehicle and the crew.
But perhaps the most exciting news comes from the expanded eligibility window for vehicles. For the first time, cars that took part in any edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo up to January 1986 will be accepted. Until now, the cutoff year was 1983. This new rule opens the field to a host of legendary machines from the height of the Group B era.
These include icons like the Audi Sport Quattro S1, the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2, the Lancia Delta S4 (which won the 1986 Monte), and the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo. These powerhouse cars, known for their light weight, raw speed, and radical engineering, will bring an entirely new energy to the alpine stages.
Naturally, many of the usual suspects will still be present: Lancia Fulvia, Porsche 911, Mini Cooper, Fiat 131 Abarth, Opel Kadett GTE—all representing the spirit of past Monte-Carlo editions. But the arrival of these “younger classics” promises an exciting and eclectic field like never before.
The rally retains its classic format with multiple departure cities: John O’Groats (Scotland) on January 29, followed by Bad Hombourg, Barcelona, Milan, Monte-Carlo, and Reims on February 1. Crews will converge towards the Alps, tackling snow-covered passes and winding roads through the Drôme and Ardèche regions, before reaching the glamorous finish in Monte-Carlo—where a celebratory gala (included in the €6,800 entry fee) awaits.
Entries will officially open on September 3, 2025, when the preliminary regulations will also be released. The full route will be announced in the coming weeks, but fans can expect the return of legendary stages like the Col de Turini, Col de l’Écharasson, and Col de Fontbelle.
In the meantime, anticipation builds. The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique isn’t just a race; it’s a living tribute to the soul of motorsport. And with its blend of cutting-edge safety measures, historic authenticity, and the arrival of long-awaited ‘80s icons, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet.
