WRC Rome, new appointment for 2026?

In August, Rome hosted the European Rally Championship. An event that has become a regular stop in the Italian capital in recent years. The Rally di Roma Capitale currently serves as Italy’s contribution to the second-highest global rally series. However, things might soon change for the better for Roman motorsport fans as WRC Rome could kick in

According to several rally-focused media outlets like Rallyssimo.it, WRC promoter is reportedly targeting the Italian capital as a potential new venue to replace the Sardinia round, which has been on the calendar since 2004. That event had previously replaced the legendary Sanremo Rally. Among the cities considered for this move, Rome appears to be the most suitable. A city like Rome would provide much greater visibility for the WRC, attracting sponsors and a larger audience.

Negotiations with the Italian motorsport authority, ACI, are said to be already underway. However, the final green light from ACI is still pending, making the official handover uncertain at this stage.

The status of negotiations with the WRC promoter

Simon Larkin, Senior Director of the WRC, clarifies the WRC Rome situation.

“Our ambition is very clear. We want to move the WRC event to Rome starting from 2026, as we have repeatedly requested from the ACI. For us, ‘the sooner the better,’ because we believe this is in the best interest of the Rally d’Italia and for the development of the event and the sport overall on the mainland. A race in the capital is the only real opportunity to have an event recognized as representative of the entire nation. The WRC needs a race that identifies the host country, and Rome has the potential to do so like no other location.“

A potential 5-year contract

“Although our primary intention is to proceed as early as 2026, we are firmly convinced that the move must happen only with the full cooperation and harmony of all the involved government institutions. If the conditions were such that they would create a negative impact for any party involved, postponing the move to 2027 would become an acceptable consequence to be seriously considered, but it would not be possible to delay any further. Our priority remains the success of the event and a constructive relationship with all stakeholders.“

“We have already offered a potential five-year contract, whose validity is strictly linked to the move to Rome. In addition to this, we have provided financial incentives for a program dedicated to young drivers. Our commitment is total because we firmly believe in this project and its importance for the entire Championship.”

“The promoter intends to transfer the European Rally Championship (ERC) to Sardinia, which could host it immediately. This would allow the island to maintain an important rally presence while shifting the focus of the World Championship to the capital for the reasons I have explained.”

It seems clear that the WRC promoter already has definite preferences regarding the Italian round of the 2026 World Championship. Sardinia would therefore be entrusted with the ERC as part of an exchange with the capital. One thing is certain: the Italian round of the Rally World Championship is scheduled from October 1st to 4th, and soon we will find out where it will take place.

WRC Rome: Opportunity or Chaos? The Challenges of a Delicate Relocation

The relocation of the Italian round of the WRC (World Rally Championship) from the historic Alghero venue to Rome, announced as a strategic move for 2026. It’s already raising doubts among fans, insiders, and residents.

The Rally d’Italia has always been associated with natural landscapes, dusty tracks, and breathtaking scenery far from urban chaos. While Rome could offer a strong visual impact with its historical heritage, it would lose the “wild” and technical spirit that characterized stages like Olbia and Alghero. Fans fear that the WRC’s charm might be compromised in favor of a more media-driven event rather than a sporting one.

WRC Rome could represent an opportunity in terms of visibility and promotion of the WRC in Italy. But it must be managed with extreme caution. The risk is that one of the championship’s most beloved rounds could be turned into a “facade” event, losing the true essence of rallying. Time will tell whether the capital can truly embrace the spirit of the WRC… or if we will end up missing the Sardinian dust.