Portuguese rally drivers face a new strategic season in 2026 as the national championship calendar expands to nine events, introducing a mandatory choice between two high-profile rallies.
The Federação Portuguesa de Automobilismo e Karting (FPAK) announced Sunday that the Rali de Lisboa will join the Campeonato de Portugal de Ralis (CPR) calendar. This marks an expansion from the standard eight events.
Competitors in the 2026 CPR will count their seven best results from a maximum of eight participations. A key rule change mandates a strategic decision for drivers.
For their fourth scoring participation, drivers must choose between the Rali de Lisboa and the Rali Castelo Branco e Vila Velha de Ródão. This selection must be indicated by the close of registrations for the third event, the Rali de Portugal.
The 2026 calendar integrates four events with international standings. The Rali Terras D’Aboboreira and Rali da Madeira will contribute to the European Rally Trophy (ERT).
The prestigious Rali de Portugal maintains its position in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Rali Cinco Cidades do Norte de Portugal, replacing the former Serras de Fafe event, will be part of the European Rally Championship (ERC).
FPAK has also implemented new operational guidelines to enhance communication. Event registrations will now close two weeks before each rally’s start.
The official list of registered participants will be published one week prior to each event. For asphalt rallies, a tire warming zone will be mandatory at the beginning of every Special Classification Stage (PEC).
The maximum mileage for Special Stages in the 2026 CPR will be 120 kilometers. Looking ahead, the CPR calendar is scheduled to revert to eight events in 2027, with its composition determined at a later date.
Spain’s Dani Sordo currently holds the national rally title. He succeeded Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke, who was the 2024 champion; both secured their victories driving Hyundai i20s.
The full 2026 Campeonato de Portugal de Ralis calendar includes:
* March 6-7: Rali Vidreiro Centro de Portugal, Marinha Grande (asphalt)
* April 17-18: Rali Terras D’Aboboreira, Amarante (gravel)
* May 7-10: Rali de Portugal, across the north and central regions (gravel)
* May 29-30: Rali de Lisboa (asphalt)
* June 19-20: Rali Castelo Branco e Vila Velha de Ródão, Castelo Branco (asphalt)
* July 31-August 1: Rali Vinho da Madeira, Funchal (asphalt)
* September 19-20: Rali da Água Eurocidade Chaves-Verin, Chaves (asphalt)
* October 9-10: Rali Five Cities North of Portugal, Fafe (gravel)
* October 30-31: Rali Casinos do Algarve (gravel)