Latvia to host two FIA European Championship rounds in 2026 – Rallycross and Autocross
28.11.2025
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has published the 2026 European Rallycross and Autocross Championship calendars. Both disciplines include rounds in Latvia, organised by RAC.lv.
The General Secretary of the Latvian Automobile Federation, Linda Medne, notes:
“Latvia is honoured to host two FIA European Championship rounds in 2026 — in rallycross and autocross. This demonstrates FIA’s confidence in Latvia and in our organisers’ ability to deliver to high international standards. Events like these strengthen the country’s reputation in European motorsport, help regional development and give our drivers the chance to race on home soil.”
“Latvia is honoured to host two FIA European Championship rounds in 2026 — in rallycross and autocross. This demonstrates FIA’s confidence in Latvia and in our organisers’ ability to deliver to high international standards. Events like these strengthen the country’s reputation in European motorsport, help regional development and give our drivers the chance to race on home soil.”
FIA European Rallycross Championship 2026
Following the approval of the World Motor Sport Council, the FIA has today unveiled the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship calendar. Rallycross fans across the globe can expect a spectacular six‑round season, featuring high‑intensity racing at some of the sports most storied and iconic circuits.
The 2026 campaign kicks off in Northern Europe with the Euro RX of Latvia (09‑10 May), as the legendary Biķernieki track plays host to the opening round. At 1.295km, Biķernieki is one of the longest Rallycross tracks in Europe, and its abrasive surface and demanding layout will provide a true technical test for Europe’s leading Rallycross talents.
In 2026, Norwegian driver Andreas Bakkerud returns to the championship with a Ford Fiesta run by his own team. He has confirmed that he will be racing in Riga:
“I’m really happy to see Riga back on the calendar. It’s great! And I’ll definitely be there, bringing an army of Blue fans with me.”
“I’m really happy to see Riga back on the calendar. It’s great! And I’ll definitely be there, bringing an army of Blue fans with me.”
Bakkerud gained a strong fan base in Latvia during his time with Reinis Nitišs in the OMSE team. Whether Nitišs will challenge his former teammate or whether Jānis Baumanis will return to the grid is still unknown. What is certain is that spectators at Biķernieki will see some of the fastest drivers in the sport.
The organiser of the opening round, Jānis Bergs, highlights the strong Baltic driver lineup:
“This is the right moment for European rallycross to include a wide and competitive group of Baltic drivers. Both RX3 and RX1 (Supercar) classes have athletes with strong potential. Let’s hope to see talented drivers from the region on the grid — Estonian Tamm, Lithuania’s Gurklis, Kragas, Rutkauskas. I also hope Latvia will be well represented at European level — Baumanis, Martinovs, Blumbergs. Many Baltic drivers are ready to be in the European rallycross elite, and this season is a great chance for that. Entries haven’t been confirmed yet, but the prospects are strong. It’s great to see that almost all of them have come up through our national Rallycross.lv series.”
“This is the right moment for European rallycross to include a wide and competitive group of Baltic drivers. Both RX3 and RX1 (Supercar) classes have athletes with strong potential. Let’s hope to see talented drivers from the region on the grid — Estonian Tamm, Lithuania’s Gurklis, Kragas, Rutkauskas. I also hope Latvia will be well represented at European level — Baumanis, Martinovs, Blumbergs. Many Baltic drivers are ready to be in the European rallycross elite, and this season is a great chance for that. Entries haven’t been confirmed yet, but the prospects are strong. It’s great to see that almost all of them have come up through our national Rallycross.lv series.”
FIA Road Sport Director Emilia Abel welcomed the new calendar, stating: “The 2026 FIA European Rallycross calendar marks a major step forward, bringing the sport back to the most iconic circuits in Rallycross history. These legendary venues are all instantly recognisable to fans worldwide, and I am confident both spectators and drivers will be thrilled to see Europe’s finest Rallycross talent compete on the tracks that have defined the sport.
From the start, our vision for Rallycross has been shaped by listening to teams, drivers, organisers, and most importantly - the fans. The 2026 calendar reflects this approach, combining circuits with exciting new additions in regions where Rallycross has a strong national following. This calendar presents fresh challenges while celebrating Rallycross history.
The transition from a World Championship to a European Championship format is seen as a step toward strengthening the discipline. The return to combustion engines reduces costs and opens the door for more teams.
OC Racing team principal Arnis Odiņš has already confirmed his team’s participation in the Riga round, expecting at least one Supercar driver, two Cross Car drivers and two to three juniors.
OC Racing team principal Arnis Odiņš has already confirmed his team’s participation in the Riga round, expecting at least one Supercar driver, two Cross Car drivers and two to three juniors.
All rounds of the 2026 season will be available live and free of charge on the official FIA European Rallycross YouTube channel.
FIA European Autocross and Cross Car Championships 2026
The 2026 Autocross Championship will feature twelve rounds. Latvia hosts the second round, traditionally held at the Mūsa Raceland circuit in Bauska on 30–31 May. Organiser Jānis Bergs explains that the venue is preparing for major upgrades that have been in the works for several years.
Motorsport family representative Māris Neikšāns continues preparing his daughter Patrīcija Neikšāne for her Junior Cross Car Championship entry:
“In the Junior class there will be eight rounds, more than last year. For her debut season we plan to compete in four of them, including Bauska and the next round in Vilkyčiai, Lithuania.”
“In the Junior class there will be eight rounds, more than last year. For her debut season we plan to compete in four of them, including Bauska and the next round in Vilkyčiai, Lithuania.”
FIA European Rallycross Championship 2026 Calendar
- Riga, Latvia — 9–10 May
- Nyirád, Hungary — 30–31 May
- Höljes, Sweden — 4–5 June
- Mondello Park, Ireland — 18–19 July
- Lohéac, France — 29–30 August
- Lousada, Portugal — 12–13 September
More: fiaworldrallycross.com
FIA European Autocross and Cross Car Championships 2026 Calendar
- Seelow, Germany — 9–10 May
- Mūsa Raceland, Latvia — 30–31 May
- Vilkyčiai, Lithuania — 6–7 June
- Matschenberg, Germany — 27–28 June
- Nová Paka, Czech Republic — 4–5 July
- Saint Georges de Montaigu, France — 18–19 July
- Nyirád, Hungary — 15–16 August
- Přerov, Czech Republic — 22–23 August
- Maggiora, Italy — 12–13 September
- Saint Igny de Vers, France — 19–20 September
- Mollerussa, Spain — 10–11 October
- Foz Côa, Portugal — 17–18 October
More: fia.com – European Autocross Championship
Photo: Raimonds Volonts, MVFOTO
