Young Promises Unleash the Snow Storm in the FIA ​​Junior WRC 2026

The White War Cry: Young Promises Unleash the Snow Storm in the FIA ​​Junior WRC 2026

Sweden, Scene of a Glacial Debut for the Future Kings of the Wheel

The excitement of motorsport reaches its peak this week with the starting signal of the FIA Junior WRC 2026. The icy embrace of Sweden, with its treacherous forest tracks covered in snow and ice, will be the backdrop for the first contest of a season that promises strong emotions and the birth of new legends.

Seven brave crews will face the challenge, united by a common denominator: the steering wheel of the identical Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo. These cars, prepared and pampered by M-Sport Poland, are the perfect launching pad for young talents to prove their worth.

Mechanical equality is the norm in this category. Each Fiesta wears Hankook tires and beats with a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder in-line EcoBoost heart, capable of unleashing about 235 HP. Four-wheel drive and a Sadev five-speed sequential gearbox complete the recipe for competition. Here, driving skill, the ability to adapt and mental strength emerge as the true weapons to succeed.

The prize for the 2026 FIA Junior champion is of considerable magnitude: no less than four participations in the 2027 WRC2 aboard a Fiesta Rally2. A dream springboard to make the definitive leap to the elite.

The Aspirants to the White Throne: A Duel of Nationalities and Dreams

This year's grid is a melting pot of nationalities, each with its own history and ambition. From the Iberian Peninsula to the Turkish steppes, passing through frozen Scandinavia and green Ireland, talent comes together.

The teams that will fight for glory are:

• Gil Membrado / Adrián Pérez (Spain)
• Raúl Hernández / José Murado (Spain)
• Ali Türkkan / Oytun Albayrak (Türkiye)
• Craig Rahill / Conor Smith (Ireland)
• Carlberg Street / Jørgen Eriksen (Sweden/Norway)
• Kerem Kazaz / Corentin Silvestre (Türkiye/France)
• Leevi Lassila / Mikko Lukka (Finland)

Without a doubt, the Spanish tandem formed by Gil Membrado and Adrián Pérez monopolizes a good part of the spotlight. His presence marks one of the most anticipated debuts in the recent history of this championship. Membrado, who already won the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship in 2025 at just 17 years old, arrives on the world stage at the age of 18, after a dazzling season behind the wheel of a Ford Rally2.

The young Catalan talent has formidable support. The support of Red Bullhe Rally Team Spain of the RFEdA and Past Racing They drive your adventure. “I am very excited to participate in my first Junior WRC test, a dream come true,” confesses the driver.

Membrado is aware of the demands of Rally Sweden: “It is very demanding, with snow and very low temperatures, but I am ready to undertake this journey. Last weekend we competed in the Swedish Winterpokalen Rally and achieved a good result, without a doubt a good preparation.”

The influence of a legend like Carlos Sainz is another fundamental pillar in Membrado's season. “It is an honor for me to be able to learn and work directly with my idol, Carlos Sainz, who is helping me a lot in every way. I am going to do my best to make the most of a great opportunity like this,” he says.

Following the Swedish challenge, the FIA ​​Junior WRC calendar will take drivers to a diversity of surfaces and geographies. Croatia (asphalt, April 9 to 12) will open the curtain on the pavement, followed by Portugal (dirt, May 7 to 10) and the mythical Finland (dirt, July 30 to August 2). The season will culminate in Chile (land, September 10 to 13), a test that will award double pointsadding an extra ingredient of emotion to the outcome.

But Membrado's ambition does not stop there. The driver and his team have announced their participation in two additional events of the WRC3: the Canary Islands Rally (asphalt, April 23 to 26) and the Sardinia Rally (dirt, October 1 to 4). This ambitious training program, which covers snow, dirt and asphalt, marks an unbeatable debut in the World Rally Championship.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 FIA Junior WRC

When and where does the FIA ​​Junior WRC 2026 start?

The championship starts this week in the Rally Swedenwhich takes place from February 12 to 15, on snowy and icy slopes.

What cars will the participants drive?

All competitors will compete the season aboard the identical Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evoprepared by M-Sport Poland.

What is the prize for the 2026 FIA Junior WRC champion?

The champion will receive four participations in the 2027 WRC2 with a Ford Fiesta Rally2.

How many teams are participating in the 2026 season?

Are seven crews those who will compete in the first round of the championship.

Which Spanish driver is generating the most excitement?

The Spanish tandem formed by Gil Membrado and Adrián Pérez is one of the most anticipated, with Membrado being the current Spanish dirt champion.

What other rallies make up the 2026 FIA Junior WRC calendar?

In addition to Sweden, the calendar includes Croatia, Portugal, Finland and Chile.

Will Gil Membrado participate in any other category?

Yes, Membrado will also compete in two events of the WRC3: Canary Islands and Sardinia.

What type of surfaces will the drivers encounter this season?

The pilots will face snow, ice, dirt and asphalt throughout the season.

Which Spanish driver has been a mentor to Gil Membrado?

Carlos Sainz is providing support and advice to Gil Membrado.

How important is the Rally of Chile in the calendar?

The Rally of Chile will grant double points for classification purposes, which makes it a crucial event for the outcome of the championship.

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