The Monte-Carlo Rally, famous for its winding roads and winter atmosphere, will be the stage for an exciting battle in January 2026. Toyota has chosen Oliver Solberg, a young prodigy of the discipline, to score valuable points in the manufacturers’ championship. With tight competition and well-prepared teams, every second will count on the roads of this legendary event.
A season that starts with a bang
The opening of the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) season will take place from January 22 to 25, promising to be full of twists and turns. A total of 66 entrants will compete for honors, including 11 in the Rally1 category and 27 in Rally2. Among them, Toyota will once again field five GR Yaris Rally1 factory cars, a number that, while pleasing fans, also imposes strategic choices on the Japanese team.
Tactical choices for maximum points
With such a fleet of cars, Toyota faces a dilemma: only three crews can score points in the manufacturers’ championship. This restriction forces the team to carefully select its drivers. This year, the choice has fallen on Oliver Solberg, to the detriment of Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari, who have more experience with this car.
Sébastien Ogier, the team’s iconic champion, will once again fight for points in this rally where he has triumphed ten times. Elfyn Evans, another reliable asset for Toyota, will also be part of the equation. The return of Oliver Solberg, who will carry the number 99, represents a crucial stake for the brand. His victory last year at the Rally Estonia was decisive for his promotion, replacing Kalle Rovanperä who has taken a new path in single-seaters.
The competition strengthens
On the opposing side, Hyundai and M-Sport have no intention of being left behind. Both manufacturers will each field three cars, ensuring fierce competition. The South Korean team will rely on Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, while Hayden Paddon will complete the team in a third i20 N Rally1. He will not be alone; Esapekka Lappi and Dani Sordo will also take the wheel of the i20 throughout the season.
On the M-Sport side, Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong will be joined by Grégoire Munster, who returns after an experience in Dakar. The dynamics between these drivers could well influence the results of the stages.
A significant return for Lancia
The Monte-Carlo Rally 2026 will also mark the grand return of Lancia to the world of rallying with the highly anticipated debut of the Ypsilon HF Integrale in the Rally2 category. Two cars will be entered, entrusted to Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin, and their performances will be closely watched by enthusiasts. After years of absence, this participation is a true event in the rally landscape.
Breathtaking stages
The 2026 edition of the Monte-Carlo Rally promises 339.15 km of stages and a prestigious super special on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit on Saturday night. Imagine the drivers racing down the slippery slopes under the sparkling lights of the circuit, a spectacle that will undoubtedly attract crowds. The weather conditions, often capricious at this time of year, will also play a key role, making every turn even more delicate.
Conclusion: an epic battle ahead
The Monte-Carlo Rally 2026 promises to be a true challenge for all drivers. With crucial strategic choices, spectacular returns, and fierce competition, this event is set to be memorable. Oliver Solberg, under pressure to score points for Toyota, will have to face determined opponents. In short, get ready for an exciting adventure on the legendary roads of this iconic rally.
