Rally di Roma Capitale 2026: Your Essential Guide to Road Closures, Special Stages, and Spectator Information
The 14th edition of the Rally di Roma Capitale 2026 is set to bring thrilling motorsport action to Rome and, for the first time, to the province of Rieti, specifically the scenic Lake Turano area. Scheduled from July 3rd to 5th, this event marks the third round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and the fourth round of the Italian Absolute Rally Championship (CIAR) Sparco. With a completely revamped route designed to challenge even the most seasoned drivers, the rally promises high-speed excitement and breathtaking views. This year’s event is also a significant step towards the Rally di Roma Capitale’s ambition to join the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2027.
Road Closures: What You Need to Know
For the safety of competitors and spectators, roads affected by the special stages will be closed to public traffic at least 90 minutes before the first car passes. This allows for the transit of safety vehicles (“zero cars”). Reopening typically occurs 30-45 minutes after the last competitor and the “Broom” car have passed. For stages with double passes on Saturday and Sunday, roads will remain continuously closed until the completion of the second race block to ensure safety and facilitate personnel repositioning.
Detailed Road Closure Schedule:
| Day | Code | Special Stage Name | Closure Time (From) | Reopening Time (To) | 1st Car Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 3.07.2026 | QS | Qualifying Stage – Tuscolo | 09:01 | 11:15 | 10:31 |
| Fri 3.07.2026 | SSS-1 | Colosseo ACI Roma | 18:35 | 21:10 | 20:05 |
| Sat 4.07.2026 | SS-2 | Vallecupola (1st Pass) | 05:00 | 18:45 | 08:05 |
| Sat 4.07.2026 | SS-3 | Piana di Rascino (1st Pass) | 07:58 | Remains closed for 2nd pass | 09:28 |
| Sat 4.07.2026 | SS-4 | Colle di Tora Poggio Moiano (1st Pass) | 09:35 | Remains closed for 2nd pass | 11:05 |
| Sat 4.07.2026 | SS-5 | Vallecupola (2nd Pass) | Closed from morning | 18:45 | 15:45 |
| Sat 4.07.2026 | SS-6 | Piana di Rascino (2nd Pass) | Closed from morning | 20:00 | 17:08 |
| Sat 4.07.2026 | SS-7 | Colle di Tora Poggio Moiano (2nd Pass) | Closed from morning | 21:45 | 18:45 |
| Sun 5.07.2026 | SS-8 | Monastero – Monte Livata (1st Pass) | 07:35 | Remains closed for 2nd pass | 09:05 |
| Sun 5.07.2026 | SS-9 | Canterano Gerano (1st Pass) | 08:35 | Remains closed for 2nd pass | 10:05 |
| Sun 5.07.2026 | SS-10 | Monastero Monte Livata (2nd Pass) | Closed from morning | 17:15 | 14:15 |
| Sun 5.07.2026 | SS-11 | Canterano Gerano – POWER STAGE | Closed from morning | 19:55 | 16:05 |
⚠️ Spectator Advice: If you plan to position yourself along special stages that are repeated twice in the afternoon, please note that roads are typically not reopened between the first and second passes. Therefore, vehicle access is only possible before the very first morning block of the day.
The Rally Headquarters and Fan Zone
The operational heart of the event has been entirely relocated to the EUR district. The Salone delle Fontane will host the Rally HQ (race direction and press room), while the Service Park (Paddock) will be situated near the iconic Colosseo Quadrato (Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana). A large Fan Zone will be set up here, open to all ages, offering entertainment, leisure activities, and the chance to see mechanics and drivers at work during service breaks. This family-friendly area will also feature a kart track and activities related to road safety and sports education.
Key Events and Special Stages
Friday, July 3rd: The Show Begins at the Colosseum
The most anticipated moment on Friday evening will be the ceremonial start in Via degli Annibaldi, followed by the legendary “Colosseo ACI Roma” special stage. This unique timed stage, set against the backdrop of the Flavian Amphitheatre and the evocative Colle Oppio, promises spectacular images that will travel the globe.
Sunday’s Grand Finale: Via della Conciliazione
The rally will conclude with a grand finish and awards ceremony in the prestigious Via della Conciliazione, with the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica serving as a backdrop for the winning crews. This choice underscores the event’s significant institutional and media impact.
New Special Stages in Lazio: Speed, Technique, and Record Altitudes
Motorsport Italia has completely redesigned the route to challenge the top contenders of both the European and Italian Championships. The new stages include:
- Qualifying Stage “Tuscolo” (6 km): Starting from Frascati, this technical and guided qualifying stage features a breathtaking initial hairpin near the main square, ascending towards Tuscolo with a natural chicane before a technical and rhythmic descent.
- SS “Vallecupola” (22.50 km): Connecting Castel di Tora to Longone Sabino, this stage runs along the scenic Lake Turano. It’s a narrow, uphill, technical, and very fast stage, climbing to an altitude of 1,200 meters.
- SS “Piana di Rascino” (27.78 km): Expected to be one of the rally’s key passages, this stage is a natural “toboggan” that breaks the 1,600-meter altitude mark on the Aquilente plateau, offering spectators exceptional visibility over more than 2 kilometers of the course.
- SS “Colle di Tora – Poggio Moiano” (11.58 km): Starting from Posticciola on the opposite side of Lake Turano, this stage features a spectacular passage over the Posticciola dam (perfect for TV coverage), followed by a panoramic climb and a descent towards Poggio Moiano.
- SS “Monastero – Monte Livata” (22.21 km): Sunday opens with a revisited classic. Starting near the famous rock-hewn tunnels, this stage offers a spectacular ascent towards Monte Livata.
- SS “Canterano – Gerano” (13.72 km): Derived from the 2025 long stage, this is a breathtaking sequence of downhill hairpins that will demand maximum courage until the very last meter. The second pass will serve as the Power Stage, awarding crucial championship points.
Program Overview:
| Date | Event / Activity | Location / Position |
|---|---|---|
| THU JUN 18 | Press Conference Rally di Roma 2026 | Sala della Protomoteca |
| TUE JUN 30 | Gala Evening | Rome |
| WED JUL 1 | Sporting Checks | Salone delle Fontane |
| THU JUL 2 | Technical Checks · Road Safety Conference · Car Exhibition + Autographs · Fan Zone Paddock EUR | Viale Europa · Piazza di Spagna |
| FRI JUL 3 | Shakedown · Starting Ceremony · Colosseum Special Stage · VIP lounge | Colosseum |
| SAT JUL 4 | VIP lounge on the route · Activation Fan Zone | Route · Paddock EUR |
| SUN JUL 5 | VIP lounge on the route · Awards Ceremony | Via della Conciliazione · St. Peter’s |
The Organizer: Motorsport Italia
The Rally di Roma Capitale is organized by Motorsport Italia, led by Max Rendina. Since its first European edition in 2017, the organization has consistently developed the event, establishing it as a prestigious fixture for both the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and the Italian Absolute Rally Championship (CIAR). The 2026 edition features a complete makeover, with a fully redesigned route, new special stages, and picturesque settings in the heart of the Eternal City.
Entry List: 113 Crews Ready for Battle
The official entry list for the Rally di Roma Capitale 2026, approved by the FIA, promises a high-level competition with 113 crews ready to fight for victory. Teemu Suninen (#1 on Skoda Fabia RS) will lead the pack, challenged by top continental drivers such as Miko Marczyk (#2) and Hiroki Arai (#3). The strong Italian contingent includes Giandomenico Basso (#4 on Skoda) and official Lancia Corse HF drivers Andrea Mabellini (#6), Yohan Rossel (#18), Nikolay Gryazin (#19), and reigning Italian champion Andrea Crugnola (#23). Other notable local drivers include Simone Campedelli (#25 on Toyota GR Yaris) and Fabio Andolfi (#27 on Skoda), alongside the intriguing presence of former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen (#102 on Citroen C3). Promotional categories like ERC3 and Junior ERC4 also feature strong competition among young talents such as Matteo Fontana (#57 on Ford Fiesta Rally3), Davide Pesavento (#72), Tommaso Sandrin (#74), and Gabriel Di Pietro (#107).
Source: newsauto.it
