The World Rally Championship calendar will already expand next year, with 14 rallies scheduled for the 2025 season instead of the current 13.
However, Motorsport.com reports that the aim is to add another tarmac event for the 2026 season. The WRC is looking to expand into the United States in 2026, but the event in Tennessee will be held on gravel.
The goal has been set to have five tarmac rallies per season, which would balance the ratio between gravel and tarmac events.
Next season, there will be four tarmac rallies in the series, as the Canary Islands Rally joins Monte Carlo, Central Europe, and Japan. The Canary Islands event will replace the Rally Croatia next year, but Croatia is eyeing a return to the WRC calendar for the 2026 season.
For 2026, one more tarmac event is planned, and one option being considered is Ireland. The possible return of Ireland to the WRC calendar has been discussed for quite some time, and now the country’s three-year project has taken another step forward.
The event organisers are currently negotiating with the Irish government to secure the necessary financial support for hosting the rally. Ireland had hoped to join the WRC calendar as early as next year, but previous discussions on financial matters fell through with the government.
Drivers have long wished for more tarmac events in the calendar. For example, Kalle Rovanperä has mentioned that there could be more tarmac events in the WRC. Many other drivers would also likely welcome the news of an increase in the number of tarmac rallies.
