The 2026 Rally de Portugal, the fifth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), will start earlier than usual and feature one fewer timed stage than in 2025, the Automobile Club of Portugal (ACP) has announced.
According to the Rally Guide published by the organisers, the 59th edition of the event will run from May 7 to 10 and will include three special stages on Thursday, breaking with recent editions that opened with a city stage.
In 2026, the super special stage remains in Figueira da Foz, closing the opening day on Thursday, May 7. The rally will begin two hours earlier, with the ceremonial start scheduled for 3pm.
The shakedown, where drivers carry out their final car set-ups, has also been brought forward and will take place on Wednesday, May 6, during the afternoon, in Baltar.
The rally’s headquarters remain at Exponor, in Matosinhos, with the rally set to pass through Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Amarante, Arganil, Cabeceiras de Basto, Coimbra, Fafe, Felgueiras, Figueira da Foz, Góis, Lousã, Lousada, Matosinhos, Mortágua, Paredes, Sever do Vouga and Vieira do Minho.
Following complaints from several drivers about the length of Friday’s itinerary, which in 2025 included 10 timed stages, organisers have adjusted the format by moving two of those stages to Thursday.
Overall, the 2026 Rally of Portugal will feature 23 special stages, one fewer than last year.
The power stage, which awards up to 15 bonus points to the five fastest drivers, will once again be held in Fafe, starting at 1.05 pm on Sunday, May 10.
Speaking to Lusa, ACP president Carlos Barbosa said that the route is not yet fully defined, as negotiations with local authorities are still ongoing. The final version is expected to be confirmed within the next two weeks.
The 2025 edition was won by Sébastien Ogier, who strengthened his status as the most successful driver in the history of the Portuguese round, with seven victories, before going on to claim his ninth world title.
The Rally of Portugal will be the fifth of 14 rounds in the 2026 WRC season, which has already begun with the Monte Carlo Rally.
Source: LUSA
