The season is off to a spectacular start, and it’s only January!

2026 opened strong with multi-stage desert raids and Alpine classics, and the early calendar has already set a high bar for the year ahead.

The year kicked off in dramatic fashion with the Dakar Rally, widely considered one of the toughest motorsport events on the planet. Spanning vast expanses of Saudi Arabia’s desert terrain, this year’s route tested the limits of endurance, navigation, and mechanical reliability.

• Winner: Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah took first place, this time racing under the Dacia banner – a huge milestone for the brand

Family first: British brothers Craig and Carl Searles became the first siblings from the UK to complete the rally together

The opening round of the World Rally Championship brought its usual blend of grit and glamour. With its unpredictable mix of tarmac and snow, Monte Carlo remains one of the most technically demanding rallies in the WRC calendar.

Rally winners: Norway’s Oliver Solberg and UK co-driver Elliott Edmondson claimed an impressive victory

From snow-covered Scandinavian forests to gravel-lined African tracks, the 2026 WRC season promises diversity, spectacle, and fierce competition. Here are four standout events to mark in your calendar:

2026 is set to deliver a standout calendar of circuit and endurance events, from global one-make championships to legendary GT battles and historic festivals. Whether you’re behind the wheel or in the grandstands, these are the race fixtures to follow.

The Porsche Carrera World Cup returns to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with a global grid of 911 GT3 Cup cars. This one-make series draws talent from Carrera Cups worldwide, delivering exhilarating racing in one of Europe’s most iconic venues. If you’re competing, dedicated on-track insurance is a must.

Held at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit in Australia, the Bathurst 12 Hour blends local passion with international GT3 power, featuring factory and amateur drivers alike.

Expect endurance drama, high attrition rates, and challenging elevation changes that demand absolute focus from every competitor.

For classic car aficionados and historic racers, the Motor Racing Legends calendar is a reliable fixture. Expect a packed 2026 lineup, including:

• Donington Historic Festival: beloved by fans of pre- and post-war racing

New Brands Hatch Historic: a fresh addition to the season with period-correct racing and paddock displays

Beyond the global spotlight of WRC and marquee endurance races, 2026 is a big year for emerging rally formats and specialist series. From electric rally cups to lovingly preserved historic routes, these competitions offer plenty of excitement – and opportunity – for seasoned drivers and newcomers alike.

The all-electric rally scene continues to evolve, and the ADAC GSE Rally Cup is at the forefront.This series challenges drivers to adapt their skills to the dynamics of electric drivetrains and regenerative braking, all while delivering thrilling stage formats.

The EHRC calendar brings together some of the continent’s favourite rallies, with expanded rounds for 2026 including:

• Ulster International Rally (Northern Ireland)
• Rally Asturias Histórico (Spain)
• Rallye du Maroc Historique (Morocco)

Not every unmissable moment in motorsport takes place under race conditions. 2026 also offers plenty of opportunities for fans and drivers to come together through community events, heritage showcases, and celebrations of motorsport culture.

While not a race in the traditional sense, Goodwood remains one of the most important motorsport events of the year. Blending historic hill climbs with future-facing tech showcases, it’s a must-attend for fans, drivers, and brands alike.

With increasing participation from private racers and heritage teams, the Festival of Speed is a perfect occasion to showcase your vehicle (and protect it with appropriate event insurance!)

Returning in July 2026, National Motorsport Week is a celebration of the UK’s deep-rooted racing culture. Look out for:

• Club-level rally sprints
• Hill climbs and sprint events
• Open paddock days and car shows

For amateur drivers and grassroots competitors, it’s a brilliant opportunity to get involved, whether spectating, volunteering, or hitting the track yourself.

We’re only one month in, and already 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for rally and race events. With new electric championships, historic calendar expansions, and milestone wins in the Dakar and Monte Carlo rallies, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

And if you’re planning to take part – whether in your first hill climb or your tenth WRC stage – make sure you’re covered. MIS Motorsport offers tailored on-track and rally insurance for:

• Race and rally cars
• Drivers and support crews
• Transit and storage
• Liability, equipment, and event cancellations

So whether it’s grassroots or global, we’ve got you covered.