The fate of Italy’s WRC event has been under debate since the end of July, when next season’s calendar was released. Sardinia has hosted the Italian round since the early 2000s, but the 2026 calendar did not specify where the rally would take place.
This has led to speculation that the event might move to Rome in the near future. Now WRC Promoter’s event director Simon Larkin openly admits that the promoter wants the championship round in Italy’s capital already for next season.
According to Larkin, discussions have been held with the national federation ACI.
“For us, ‘the sooner the better’, because we believe this is in the best interest of Rally Italia and for the development of the event and the sport in general on the mainland. A rally in the capital is in fact the only real opportunity to have an event recognised as representative by the whole nation. The WRC needs a rally that truly identifies the host country, and Rome has the potential to do so like no other location,” Larkin told Italian outlet Rallyssimo.it.
A Rome-based WRC round would make it possible to bring the rally into the historic centre of the metropolis. In recent years, the Rally di Roma Capitale, part of the ERC, has started with a super special near the city’s most famous landmark, the Colosseum.
According to Larkin, the promoter has a major plan for a Rome WRC round.
“We have already granted a potential five-year contract, whose validity is strictly linked to the move to Rome. In addition, we have provided financial incentives for a programme dedicated to young drivers. Our commitment is total because we strongly believe in this project and in its importance for the entire Championship,” he said.
Larkin underlined that the primary goal is to see WRC points fought for around Italy’s capital already next year. If agreement cannot be reached in time with all governmental and administrative institutions, the move to Rome could be postponed until 2027. He stressed that a delay beyond that would not be possible.
If Rome does join the WRC calendar next year, Sardinia’s gravel rally would not disappear completely from the international scene. According to Larkin, Sardinia could be awarded a European Rally Championship round as early as next season.
