Rally de Portugal 2026 already has dates and new features

The Vodafone Rally de Portugal already has a defined calendar and brings new features that promise to once again place the country at the center of attention in the world of motorsport. The 2026 edition will take place from May 7 to 10 and stands as the sixth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), with a renewed format and 23 special stages spread across the Center and North of the country ACP.

In total, around 345 kilometers will be contested against the clock, within an overall route of approximately 1,862 kilometers, on a layout that combines technical demand, spectacle, and some of the most iconic stages in the history of the event ACP.

Start in Coimbra and return to iconic stages

Before the official start, teams fine-tune their final strategies at the shakedown in Baltar, scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 ACP. The operational base remains at Exponor, in Matosinhos, which once again serves as the event’s headquarters ACP.

The official start takes place on Thursday, May 7, in Coimbra, which regains prominence at the beginning of the competition on gravel surfaces ACP. The first day connects Águeda to Sever do Vouga, passes through Albergaria-a-Velha, and ends in Figueira da Foz, on a route designed to test drivers and machines right from the outset ACP.

On Friday, the focus remains in the Center of the country, with the return to legendary stages such as Mortágua, Arganil, Lousã, and Góis ACP. On Saturday, the rally heads North, with special stages in Felgueiras, Cabeceiras de Basto, Amarante, and Paredes, finishing with the Lousada super special stage, reinforcing the unique connection between drivers and fans ACP.

The final decisions are reserved for the so-called “Super Sunday,” with Vieira do Minho and Fafe (and its iconic jump) potentially proving decisive in the fight for victory ACP.

Much more than a sporting event

For Carlos Barbosa, president of the Automóvel Club de Portugal, the impact of Rally de Portugal goes far beyond the competitive aspect, highlighting the strong economic impact of the event and the pride of Portugal remaining among the most respected rounds of the World Championship, at a time when more and more countries are interested in joining the calendar ACP.

Regional entities also emphasize the strategic importance of the event. Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, highlighted the complementarity between the Center and North and the importance of decentralizing major events, which help promote the country beyond sun and sea tourism, generating more than 190 million euros in return and communication ACP.

Rui Ventura, president of Turismo da Região Centro, considers the rally one of the country’s greatest promotional assets, especially in lower-density areas, where during these days an economic dynamic is created that is difficult to replicate at other times of the year ACP. Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, reinforces the strong economic and media return of the event and its strategic importance for the international positioning of the Portugal destination ACP.

International reference in sustainability

In addition to its sporting and economic dimension, the Vodafone Rally de Portugal remains an international reference in sustainability. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a benchmark for environmental best practices in sport, it has held since 2017 the highest level of environmental recognition awarded by the FIA ACP.

The organization continues to focus on reducing its carbon footprint, responsible waste management, and the preservation of ecosystems crossed by the special stages, in coordination with municipalities and regional entities ACP.

Between excitement, economic impact, and environmental commitment, Rally de Portugal 2026 once again establishes itself as one of the major international events held in national territory. Now it is just a matter of marking the calendar: from May 7 to 10, the spectacle returns to the gravel roads that thrill thousands of fans every year.

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Source: ACP