ERC
Route revealed, entries open for ERC season kick-off
The route for the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship season-opening 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site has been revealed.
Bringing “surprises and interesting twists”, according to the event organisers, Automóvil Club de Córdoba, the route will present “a real challenge for the participating teams, as well as plenty of excitement for the spectators, both those watching from the roadside and those watching on television”.
Following what’s expected to be a spectacular ceremonial start at Córdoba’s stunning Plaza de las Tendillas on Thursday 16 April, the all-asphalt event gets under way with Free Practice for ERC1 crews from 09:30 local time on Friday 17 April.
Using the 6.38-kilometre Los Villares test, Free Practice is followed by the ever-crucial Qualifying Stage from 12:01 and Shakedown for all crews from 13:15.
The 1.00-kilometre super special stage in central Córdoba forms SSS1 and brings Friday’s action to a close from 20:05.
Córdoba's super special stage was a big hit for fans in 2025
© ERC
Saturday’s opening leg (18 April) consists of two loops of three stages over a timed distance of 103.60 kilometres. Obejo-Villanueva de Córdoba (20.90 kilometres) is up first from 09:30 with the first crew due to tackle the 26.10 kilometres of Pozoblanco-Villaharta at 11:05. The 4.10-kilometre Espiel test, which has been altered to become more technical for 2026, rounds out the morning loop ahead of central service at the El Arenal in Córdoba. Obejo-Villanueva de Córdoba, Pozoblanco-Villaharta and Espiel are set to be repeated at 15:45, 17:20 and 18:50 respectively.
The deciding leg on Sunday 19 April covers 99.20 kilometres against the clock and again consists of three stages run twice. The 8.95-kilometre Obeja stage provides the first challenge from 08:05 ahead of the rally’s longest stage – Villaviciosa. Covering a distance of 27.05 kilometres, Villaviciosa is due to begin at 09:20 and is followed by Villanueva del Rey (13.60 kilometres) at 10:35. After service at the El Arenal in Córdoba, the morning stages are run for a second time from 13:55, 15:10 and 17:05 respectively. The second charge through Villanueva del Rey forms the Power Stage. The podium celebrations at El Arenal are due to begin at 19:00.
Spain's Andalusia region will host the ERC opener for the second time
© ERC
Entries have now opened and will close at 20:00 on Tuesday 31 March. Click HERE for more event information and the Supplementary Regulations.
43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site key numbers
Stages: 13
Stage distance: 203.80 kilometres
Total distance: 870.98 kilometres
