The 28th edition of the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally takes place from 29th January to 7th February, 2026
The 2026 Monte-Carlo Historic Rally represents a decisive shift for this Monegasque classic. No longer just a regularity event (one that tests precision and consistency, not outright speed), this new chapter delivers long-awaited changes requested by competitors and endorsed by the Organising Committee of the Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM), without sacrificing the authenticity and popular appeal that define the rally.
Updated dates, a broader eligibility window for cars (1911–1986), six starting cities, and, most significantly, regularity stages run on closed roads all clearly signal one thing: the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally has stepped into a new era.
This edition will bring together former winners, including two-time defending champions Michel Decremer and Jennifer Hugo, but also renowned drivers such as Bruno Saby (Renault 5 Turbo), Takuma Sato (Honda Civic RS), Maurizio Verini (Alfa-Romeo Giulietta), amongst many others.
From Many, One
As mentioned above, six starting cities are included in this year’s rally. For the small band of purists setting off from John O’Groats in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, and the northernmost point of all the concentration routes, the 2026 edition will get underway on Thursday, 29th January. The participating crews face a trek of approximately 2,400 km.
The remaining starts follow from Sunday, 1st February, departing from Bad Homburg, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Reims, and Turin. Every route converges on Valence, capital of the Drôme and a traditional rally town, where the first crews are expected at the Esplanade du Champ de Mars on Monday, 2nd February, from 12:30 pm.
Video via Automobile Club de Monaco YouTube channel
Breakdown of the Stages
Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026
Competition begins in earnest with the opening regularity stages. The day is built around a demanding first half of the Qualifying Stage: a loop of three special stages, each run twice. Crews return to Valence’s Champ de Mars late morning (11:25) and again in the evening (17:35).
- Col Gaudissart – Bouvante / SR 1–4 / 7.504 km / 08:33 – 14:43 (featuring the Col de l’Écharasson (1146 m) as the key challenge)
- Léoncel – Oriol-en-Royans / SR 2–5 / 11.261 km / 09:41 – 15:51
- Col de Tourniol – Barbières / SR 3–6 / 10.391 km / 10:20 – 16:30
Wednesday, 4th February, 2026
The rally heads into Ardèche at 08:00 for the second part of the Classification Stage. The day opens with two brand-new tests: Saint-Pierreville – Issamoulenc and Lachamp-Raphaël – Burzet. A regrouping follows in Vals-les-Bains (12:10 pm), before a symbolic time check at the Jouanny family’s legendary “Remise” in Antraigues-sur-Volane (1:53 pm), a fixture of Monte Carlo Rally history. The afternoon continues with Saint-Andéol-de-Vals – Gourdon and a second run of Saint-Pierreville – Issamoulenc. Privas hosts the end-of-day time control from 4:31 pm, ahead of the return to Valence at 5:36 pm.
- Saint-Pierreville – Issamoulenc / SR 7 / 10.780 km / 9:28 am
- Lachamp-Raphaël – Burzet / SR 8 / 15.429 km / 11:05 am
- Saint-Andéol-de-Vals – Gourdon / SR 9 / 11.618 km / 2:28 pm
- Saint-Pierreville – Issamoulenc / SR 10 / 10.780 km / 3:23 pm
Photo courtesy and © Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM)
Thursday, 5th February, 2026
An 8:00 am start sends the field toward the Vercors and Diois massifs for the first half of the Common Stage. Three classic mountain tests shape the day, beginning with Les Nonnières – Chichilianne and the ascent of the Col de Menée (1457 m). This is followed by Le Château – La Bâtie-des-Fonts, crossing the iconic Col de Carabès (1261 m), and then Col de Chamauche – Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert. Before returning to Valence at 3:15 pm, crews stop in Crest at Place du Champ de Mars, where a time control runs from 2:15 pm.
- Les Nonnières – Chichilianne / SR 11 / 14.412 km / 9:53 am
- Le Château – La Bâtie-des-Fonts / SR 12 / 9.852 km / 11:38 am
- Col de Chamauche – Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert / SR 13 / 11.335 km / 12:56 pm
Friday, 6th February, 2026
Departure from Valence is set for 7:00 am as the rally tackles the second and final part of the Common Stage. Aucelon – Barnave opens the day, climbing the Col de Pennes (1040 m), followed by Bréziers – Selonnet and the feared Col des Garcinets (1185 m). The route then drops south with Auzet – Esclangon, completing the approach to Monaco. Entry into the Parc Fermé is scheduled for 16:30, with intermediate time checks in Saint-André-les-Alpes (13:45) and La Turbie (16:00).
- Aucelon – Barnave / SR 14 / 13.709 km / 08:31
- Bréziers – Selonnet / SR 15 / 13.403 km / 11:09
- Auzet – Esclangon / SR 16 / 14.429 km / 12:06
Friday Night, 6th February, 2026
The Final Stage gets underway from Monaco at 9:00 pm. Two legendary night tests define this last showdown: La Bollène-Vésubie – Col de Turini and La Cabanette – Col de Braus. These roads, steeped in rally folklore, provide a fitting conclusion to a standout edition. The finish is expected at Port Hercule, Monaco, at 12:25 am.
- La Bollène-Vésubie – Col de Turini / SR 17 / 15.008 km / 10:28 pm
- La Cabanette – Col de Braus / SR 18 / 13.669 km / 11:06 pm
Saturday, 7th February, 2026
In keeping with tradition, the Gala Evening and Prize-Giving Ceremony will take place in the prestigious Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo. Tuxedo or evening dress required.
The Historic Rally in Numbers
- Number of starting cities: 6
- Total number of stages: 17
- Total competitive racing distance: 339 km
- Total number of crews: 260
- Total number of countries represented: 28
Courtesy Automobile Club of Monaco
The 2026 Monte-Carlo Historic Rally runs from January 29th, with the departure of participating cars from John O’Groats in Scotland, until February 7th, with the prize-giving and gala celebrations in Monaco.
For the die-hard rally fan, you can download the Roadbooks for the various stages from the ACM website.
PHOTO CREDITS
- All photos, images and videos courtesy of and © Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM)
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