The Rally Sierra Morena 2026, one of the most prominent events in European motorsport, will kick off with its starting ceremony this Thursday, marking the prelude to a weekend of intense competition on Córdoba's roads. With 62 drivers registered, this edition is shaping up to be the most international in its history, solidifying its position in the European Championship for the second consecutive year.

In the absence of Nikolay Gryazin, last year's winner, the event is looking for a new monarch. The competition will unfold over 13 stages, spread across three days, totaling 203.80 timed kilometers. The crucial days will be Saturday and Sunday, following the urban stage held on Friday on Avenida Vallellano.

Among the Spanish contenders, prominent names include José Antonio Cohete Suárez, who previously won in 2021 and finished third in 2025. Other national drivers with strong chances include Iván Ares and the promising young talent Jorge Cagiao, from the Recalvi team, alongside Roberto Blach, José Luis Peláez, and Unai de la Dehesa.

The list of foreign favorites is led by Miko Marczyk, last year's European champion and familiar with Córdoba's roads from his participation in 2025. Also joining the fray are Teemu Suninen, a former World Rally Championship driver, and Giandomenico Basso, 2025 Italian champion and two-time European champion in 2006 and 2009. Other international names include Andrea Mabellini, Simone Tempestini, Calle Carlberg, Philip Allen, Callum Devine, Marco Bulacia, and William Creighton.

While the urban stage on Avenida Vallellano may not be where the rally is won, it could certainly be where it's lost. The decisive segments that will determine the champion are those of Pozoblanco-Villaharta on Saturday, and Villaviciosa on Sunday. The crowning of the new rally king is scheduled for Sunday from 7:15 PM at the El Arenal venue.