KERRY MOTORSPORT NEWS: TOP FIVE MOMENTS FROM THE 2026 RALLYE MONTE CARLO
The 2026 Rallye Monte Carlo will be remembered as a modern classic, delivering high-stakes drama from the first mountain pass to the final harbour-side control.
We have narrowed down the top five moments that defined this year’s “Monte,” along with a special nod to a local legend reaching a massive milestone in the sport.
Oliver Solberg delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression throughout the weekend. After seizing the rally lead on the second special stage, the Swede never looked back, maintaining a consistent gap over the chasing pack despite the fluctuating grip levels.
His ability to manage the lead on the treacherous Saturday mountain loop proved that he has found a new level of maturity, comfortably holding off the Rally1 field to secure a dominant victory that sets a high bar for the rest of the 2026 season.
Jon Armstrong’s arrival in the top-flight was a major talking point in the service park. Although his rally ended in disappointment, the Northern Irishman made the world take notice by setting the third fastest time overall during the brutal Thursday night stages. His consistency through Friday and Saturday proved that he belongs at this level, and has marked him out as a future star. Armstrong is undoubtedly one to watch as the season progresses.
Lancia’s return to the World Rally Championship provided the “nearly” story of the weekend through Yohan Rossel. Driving the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, Rossel claimed more stage wins than any other driver across the event, frequently embarrassing the Rally1 machinery on the timing sheets. While the final result was a case of what might have been, the pace is clearly there for a massive season ahead. It was a double celebration for the family as Leo Rossel drove a flawless rally to secure his first WRC2 victory in the Citroën.
History was written in the Rally3 category thanks to the incredible performance of Matteo Fontana.
The young Italian stunned the field by claiming two overall stage wins in his Ford Fiesta Rally3, a feat previously thought impossible against the higher-spec machinery. Fontana came agonizingly close to winning the Super Sunday points – fourth in the finish up – , proving that in the right conditions, the Rally3 platform is a giant-killer.
His historic run through the Sunday morning stages will be talked about for years as one of the greatest underdog performances in Monte Carlo history.
The weather played its most iconic role in years, battering the crews with a relentless mix of snow, ice, and mountain slush.
It threw everything at the teams over four days and nights, making tyre choice a complete lottery and rewarding only the bravest. A welcome addition to this year’s atmosphere was the return of the Monaco street stage, which brought the WRC action back to the Principality for the first time since 2008. The sight of rally cars tackling the harbour cobbles under the lights added a layer of prestige that only a Monte Carlo rally can provide.
As a bonus highlight, we have to mention the incredible milestone reached by Eamonn Boland and “MJ.” This year marked Eamonn’s 21st start and MJ’s 15th start on the Monte Carlo Rally. They managed the treacherous conditions with veteran precision to secure a brilliant second place in the WRC Masters class. Bringing their Ford Fiesta Rally2 home on the podium in such a gruelling edition of the rally is a fantastic achievement for the Irish pair.
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