RALLY DI ROMA CAPITALE UNVEILS COMPLETELY NEW ROUTE FOR 2026 EDITION

New EUR headquarters, Vatican finish and redesigned stages set to redefine Italy's flagship international rally

The 2026 Rally di Roma Capitale is set to enter a new era after organizers revealed a significantly redesigned event featuring a new operational base, a revamped route and several brand-new special stages.

Organized by Motorsport Italia and created by Max Rendina, the rally will once again host rounds of both the FIA European Rally Championship and the Italian Absolute Rally Championship (CIAR Sparco), but with a dramatically different layout aimed at enhancing both the sporting challenge and spectator experience.

From a new headquarters in Rome's EUR district to a ceremonial finish beside St. Peter's Basilica, the event promises to combine world-class rallying with some of Italy's most iconic landmarks.

EUR BECOMES THE NEW HEART OF THE EVENT

One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the relocation of the rally's operational centre to Rome's EUR district.

The Salone delle Fontane will host Rally Headquarters, while the Service Park will be located close to the iconic Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, commonly known as the "Square Colosseum."

A dedicated fan zone will also be established within the area, providing entertainment and activities for spectators throughout the event while offering closer access to teams and service operations.

COLOSSEUM START REMAINS A GLOBAL SHOWPIECE

The ceremonial opening of Rally di Roma Capitale will continue to showcase the historic heart of Rome.

On Friday, July 3, competitors will pass through the city centre before arriving at Via degli Annibaldi for the official start ceremony. Immediately afterwards, crews will tackle the spectacular "Colosseo ACI Roma" special stage.

The unique test, located beneath the world-famous Colosseum and surrounding Colle Oppio area, remains one of the most recognizable and visually striking stages in international rallying.

NEW VATICAN FINISH ADDS HISTORIC PRESTIGE

For the first time, the rally's final podium ceremony will be held in Via della Conciliazione, with St. Peter's Basilica providing the backdrop.

The move creates one of the most prestigious finish locations in world motorsport and further strengthens the event's international profile.

COMPLETELY REDESIGNED ROUTE ACROSS CENTRAL ITALY

The sporting challenge has also undergone major changes, with organizers introducing several new or heavily revised special stages throughout the Lazio region.

TUSCOLO QUALIFYING STAGE

The qualifying stage will begin in the centre of Frascati before climbing toward Tuscolo. Featuring a spectacular hairpin, natural chicanes and a technical downhill section, the stage is expected to provide an early test of driver commitment and precision.

VALLECUPOLA

Running between Castel di Tora and Longone Sabino alongside Lake Turano, Vallecupola combines narrow technical roads with fast flowing sections. The stage climbs to an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres and promises stunning scenery alongside demanding driving conditions.

PIANA DI RASCINO

Expected to become one of the defining stages of the rally, Piana di Rascino features a mix of high-speed sections, natural undulations, tight corners and dramatic elevation changes.

The stage reaches more than 1,600 metres above sea level and offers spectators exceptional viewing opportunities across more than two kilometres of competitive action.

COLLE DI TORA – POGGIO MOIANO

Starting in Posticciola, the stage follows the opposite side of Lake Turano before passing near the area's famous dam.

The combination of lakeside roads, panoramic viewpoints and technical downhill sections is expected to make this one of the most photogenic stages of the event.

MONASTERO – MONTE LIVATA

Opening Sunday's action, this stage incorporates one of the most popular sections from previous editions before climbing toward Monte Livata through a fast and spectacular mountain road.

CANTERANO – GERANO POWER STAGE

The rally will conclude with the Canterano-Gerano stage, adapted from part of the longer test used in 2025.

A sequence of downhill hairpins and technical corners will challenge crews right until the finish, while the second pass will serve as the event's decisive Power Stage, offering valuable bonus points in both championship battles.

ORGANIZERS AIM TO RAISE THE BAR

The 2026 Rally di Roma Capitale combines iconic locations, a fresh sporting challenge and enhanced fan engagement in what promises to be one of the most ambitious editions in the event's history.

With Rome once again providing a spectacular backdrop and a completely redesigned route awaiting competitors, the rally is preparing to strengthen its position as one of the FIA European Rally Championship's flagship events.

KEY POINTS

• Rally di Roma Capitale 2026 will feature a completely redesigned route.

• The event headquarters and service park will move to Rome's EUR district.

• The ceremonial start remains at the Colosseum.

• The final podium ceremony will be held in Via della Conciliazione near St. Peter's Basilica.

• Several new special stages have been introduced across the Lazio region.

• Piana di Rascino will become one of the highest and most demanding stages of the rally.

• Canterano-Gerano will host the decisive Power Stage.

• The rally remains part of both the FIA European Rally Championship and the Italian Rally Championship.

• A dedicated fan zone will be established at the new EUR service park.

• The event takes place from July 3-5, 2026.