– ERC – the oldest rally championship, established in 1953
– Rally Poland holds the European Championship record
– The 82nd edition of the national classic to be held in Silesia
(12 May 2026) The FIA European Rally Championship (FIA ERC), better known as the European Rally Championship or simply ERC, is the oldest rally series in the world, with a history dating back to 1953. For decades, the ERC has formed the foundation of rallying development across the Old Continent and has provided a stage for competition both for established drivers and for young talents taking their first steps on the international scene. The ERC has also played a key role in shaping the sporting, organisational and technical standards that today form the backbone of the discipline, including the FIA World Rally Championship, widely known as WRC.
Despite the passage of time – this season marks the 74th edition of the championship – the ERC has retained its unique character, combining a high sporting level with accessibility for a wide range of teams and crews. It is here that many drivers built their careers before progressing to the world elite. As a result, this prestigious series has become a platform for the promotion of manufacturers, private teams, as well as drivers and co-drivers alike. The variety of surfaces – from extremely fast asphalt rallies to equally demanding gravel events – means that the ERC requires competitors to demonstrate tremendous versatility and precision behind the wheel at the highest level.
A special place in ERC history belongs to Rally Poland – the second-oldest rally event in the world, surpassed in age only by the legendary Monte Carlo classic. Rally Poland, held since 1921, has been a round of both the ERC and the WRC. This year it features in the European Championship calendar for the 55th time, setting a record that will be difficult to surpass. This fact best reflects both the stature of the rally itself and its significance for the history and development of motorsport on the Old Continent.
This year’s edition of Rally Poland will take place on the picturesque roads of the southern part of the Silesian Voivodeship. The special stages here demand from drivers not only courage, but also perfect co-operation with their co-drivers. It is an event that forgives no mistakes, while at the same time delivering a spectacle of the highest sporting quality. For the fans, it represents the very essence of rally excitement, while for the competitors it is a true test of skill.
The presence of the 82nd Rally Poland in this year’s ERC calendar is also an important element in promoting not only the Silesian Voivodeship, but Poland as a whole. The event will attract thousands of motorsport fans from across Europe to Katowice and the surrounding region. The rally, which will take place on 24–26 July this year, will be based at the Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium. A spectacular super special stage will also be held on the stadium grounds. The rally will begin in the downtown of Katowice with a unique special stage through the city centre. The “Cauldron of Witches” – as the stadium is often called – will also host the finish ceremony and the official closing celebrations of the fourth ERC 2026 round.