The route of the 43rd Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena – Córdoba World Heritage Site, the season opener of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship, has been announced.
Bringing “surprises and interesting surprises”, the route will “prove a real challenge for the participating teams and create plenty of excitement for those watching from the roadside and those watching on television”, according to event organisers, Automóvil Club de Córdoba.
After what is expected to be a spectacular ceremonial start in Córdoba’s magnificent Plaza de las Tendillas on Thursday, April 16, the all-tarmac event kicks off with Free Practice for the ERC1 teams on Friday, April 17 at 09:30.
Using the 6.38 kilometer Los Villares test, Free Practice will take place at 12:01 with the always critical Qualifying Stage and Shakedown for all teams at 13:15.
The 1.00-kilometer super-special stage in Central Córdoba makes up SSS1, and Friday’s competition ends at 20:05.
The opening stage, to be held on Saturday (April 18), consists of two loops with three stages over a timed distance of 103.60 kilometers. Obejo-Villanueva de Córdoba (20.90 kilometers) takes first place at 09:30, and the first team will complete the 26.10 kilometers of Pozoblanco-Villaharta at 11:05. The 4.10-kilometer Espiel test, made more technical for 2026, will complete the morning loop before the central service at El Arenal in Córdoba. The Obejo-Villanueva de Córdoba, Pozoblanco-Villaharta and Espiel races will be repeated at 15:45, 17:20 and 18:50 respectively.
The deciding stage, which took place on Sunday, April 19, covers a distance of 99.20 kilometers against the clock and consists of three stages that are run twice. The 8.95 kilometer Obeja stage provides the first challenge ahead of Villaviciosa, the longest stage of the rally at 08:05. Covering a distance of 27.05 kilometers, Villaviciosa is scheduled to start at 09:20, followed by Villanueva del Rey (13.60 kilometers) at 10:35. After the service at El Arenal in Córdoba, the morning stages are run a second time at 13:55, 15:10 and 17:05 respectively. The second attack from Villanueva del Rey creates the Power Phase. The podium celebrations at El Arenal will start at 19:00.
Automobile Magazine – English
