FIA approves 2026 W2RC calendar with five rallies

The FIA and FIM have confirmed the calendar for the fifth season of the World Rally-Raid Championship. The schedule includes the largest technical expansion in its history with four new titles for the Stock category, while South America returns to the W2RC with the Desafío Ruta 40 in Argentina.

Four Stock Championships Change W2RC Structure

The main technical innovation establishes independent titles for drivers, co-drivers, manufacturers, and teams in the new Stock category. Toyota and Defender lead the entry of manufacturers into this modified commercial vehicle category, expanding the championship's options.

The new titles join the existing championships of T1 Ultimate, T3 Challenger, T4 SSV, and T5 for trucks, creating the highest number of official crowns in W2RC history. Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the expansion:

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Argentina-South Africa Rotation Defines Intercontinental Strategy

David Castera confirmed the alternation between Argentina and South Africa. The Desafío Ruta 40 returns in 2026 while the South African Safari Rally, which successfully debuted in 2025, will return in 2027.

This strategy allows the W2RC to maintain presence on both continents without overloading the calendar, balancing logistics costs with global expansion. Argentina will celebrate its 13th edition after participating in 2023 and 2024, confirming the rotation pattern that will mark the next decade.

Five Venues Maintain W2RC's Global Model

The 2026 calendar distributes five rallies across Saudi Arabia, the Iberian Peninsula, Argentina, Morocco, and United Arab Emirates. The structure maintains balance between historic rally-raid events and rallies created specifically for the W2RC.

Saudi Arabia retains the opening with the Dakar, while Portugal celebrates its third consecutive participation confirming its permanent place. Morocco maintains its role as the fourth round, present since the inaugural 2022 season.

The most significant change places Abu Dhabi as the finale due to the 2026 Ramadan conflict. The Emirati event was traditionally held in February, but religious dates forced its move to November, making the ADDC the third different event to host the W2RC finale.

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Quads Expand Presence to Four of Five Rounds

Jorge Viegas explained the expansion of the Quad category. All five FIM categories will participate in Portugal, Argentina, Morocco, and Abu Dhabi.

Digital roadbook navigation and assistance restrictions will apply under the common sporting regulations across all rounds. The RallyGP, Rally2, and Rally3 categories for bikes will complete FIM's participation in the world championship.