Out of the running despite a valid contract: Rally Portugal is missing from the 2027 WRC calendar – How the organiser is already fighting for the return of the gravel classic
Portugal will be absent from the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, even though a date had already been set for next year’s event. This was announced by the organiser, Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP).
“Although a date had already been set for 13–16 May, the Rally of Portugal is one of the rounds whose scheduling was affected by the promoter’s changes on the final day of preparations for the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) season,” according to a statement from the rally organisers.
“The promoter’s aim was to make the calendar as geographically diverse and intercontinental as possible,” the statement continues. The gravel rally is one of the founding members of the WRC and has been part of the championship since its inaugural season in 1973. The classic event was absent from the calendar only during a brief hiatus from 2002 to 2006.
Last year, the organisers had agreed a new three-year contract designed to ensure that the rally would remain on the WRC calendar until at least 2028.
The organisers are therefore hoping for a swift return to the WRC calendar. “Initial discussions have already taken place between the Automóvel Clube de Portugal and the WRC promoter to explore the possibility of reintegrating Rally Portugal into the World Rally Championship in 2028,” the organisers have announced.
It is understood that the WRC is in the final stages of confirming the 2027 calendar. This could include three new venues: Rome (Italy), Scotland and the USA.
Thierry Neuville won Rally Portugal in 2026. For the Belgian and Hyundai, it was their only victory so far in the 2026 WRC season. Toyota won all the other rallies. The title will be decided this weekend (1–4 October) at the Rally Italia in Sardinia.