The bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal will return in 2026 with a major new development: the municipality of Loulé will officially become part of the event route, hosting the bivouac (the central operational base) and the prize-giving ceremony on 22 March.
The bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal will return in 2026 with a major new development: the municipality of Loulé will officially become part of the event route, hosting the bivouac (the central operational base) and the prize-giving ceremony on 22 March.
Organised by the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), the competition—part of the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship—will take place from 17 to 22 March, remaining the only European round of the series.
The structure of the event will continue to feature its signature elements. Grândola will once again host the ceremonial start, marking the beginning of a week of competition that will take teams across hundreds of kilometres towards the Spanish region of Extremadura before returning to Portugal.
According to Carlos Barbosa, President of the Automóvel Club de Portugal:
"After two fantastic editions, the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal is back, right after the Rally Dakar. From top-level cars to the most resilient machines, everything will be put to the test on Portuguese tracks. It is a great honour to have Grândola and now Loulé as part of this event, which showcases the spectacular landscapes of these regions to more than 140 countries through television coverage."
Telmo Pinto, Mayor of Loulé, added:
"It is with great pride that Loulé welcomes the European round of the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship, recognising our organisational capability, the diversity of our territory, and our strong sporting culture. The arrival of more than 200 teams will bring significant sporting and economic impact to the Algarve and to Loulé, boosting tourism, local commerce and the international profile of our municipality. Broadcasting to over 140 countries will place Loulé in the global spotlight. We are committed to making this stage unforgettable, showcasing our nature, hospitality and excellence. It will be a historic milestone for Loulé and for the entire region."
The Mayor of Grândola, Luís Vital Alexandre, stated:
"It is with great pleasure that we once again welcome the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal to Grândola, a challenge that reinforces our municipality’s reputation. On one hand, it establishes Grândola as a destination for sporting events; on the other, it confirms our territory as a stage for major competitions on the global calendar and as a high-quality tourist destination. Our partnership with the ACP is therefore strategic for the development of the municipality, and we are deeply committed to ensuring the success of this new edition."
Since its debut in 2024, bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal has grown in scale, visibility and sporting quality, cementing its reputation as one of the most demanding events on the world calendar. In 2026, it will once again attract the biggest stars of global cross-country rallying, who will take on the diverse and challenging Portuguese terrain in a route that blends speed, technical navigation and endurance.
The joint inclusion of Grândola and Loulé significantly enhances the economic, tourism and promotional impact of the event, strengthening the international projection of the host regions thanks to worldwide television coverage and the growing interest from teams, drivers and partners.