FIA and WRC confirm dates for 2026 Safari Rally

Thierry Neuville's Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car during the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya shakedown. (Photo X/WRC)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Thursday, July 31, 2025

WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel described the 2026 calendar as "a calendar built with purpose," emphasising its thoughtful construction and strategic flow.

The FIA and WRC Promoter have officially confirmed the dates for the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, which will serve as the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The event is set to take place from 12–15 March 2026, continuing its legacy as one of the most anticipated and demanding rallies on the global motorsport calendar.

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This confirmation comes following the release of the full 14-round 2026 WRC calendar, which spans four continents and combines the sport’s traditional highlights with newer, fast-growing destinations.

The 2026 season will kick off with the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22–25 January, where drivers will navigate the icy alpine roads of southeastern France. A crowd-pleasing downtown street stage in Monte Carlo on Saturday evening promises a good kick-start to the season.

After the winter tests in Sweden, the championship will head to Kenya in March, where drivers will tackle the unpredictable and rugged terrains of the Safari Rally, a test of endurance, strategy, and skill that continues to be a highlight of the WRC calendar.

From there, the season moves into a mix of asphalt and gravel events across Europe, Asia, and South America. Rallies in Croatia, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Japan ensure a diverse range of challenges, while returning events in Paraguay and Saudi Arabia mark the growing influence of the WRC in new markets.

Notably, Rally Japan’s repositioning to late May introduces a key change aimed at improving competitive balance by breaking up a long stretch of gravel rallies, limiting the disadvantage caused by road sweeping for championship frontrunners.

WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel described the 2026 calendar as "a calendar built with purpose," emphasising its thoughtful construction and strategic flow.

“It’s diverse, it flows well, and it reflects the feedback we’ve had from teams, drivers, and stakeholders. We’ve put real thought into how the sequence of events can impact the sporting fight,” Siebel said.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed those sentiments, praising the calendar’s blend of history and innovation.

“The 2026 WRC calendar is a powerful reflection of the championship’s global strength and appeal. It combines the heritage of iconic rallies with the return of newer events in regions where participation and interest in rallying continue to grow,” he stated.

As one of the sport’s most storied events, Safari Rally Kenya continues to draw international attention for its unique character and challenging African landscapes. Its placement in the early part of the 2026 season promises to play a pivotal role in shaping the championship battle.