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From 16-19 July, the FIA World Rally Championship returns to Southern Estonia for the WRC Delfi Rally Estonia. Estonia will host a WRC round for the sixth time, with organisers continuing their ambition to deliver the world's best rally experience for both competitors and fans. It will also be the last chance to witness the current generation of Rally1 cars in action in Estonia.
On 2 June, the first official press conference for WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2026 revealed a major surprise: Urmo Aava and Silver Kütt will compete in the WRC2 category in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 prepared by the RedGrey Team.
In addition, the WRC Promoter announced a €50,000 prize fund for the three fastest young Estonian drivers competing in WRC2 at Rally Estonia, along with a €50,000 contribution to the Estonian Next Rallystar Fund, supporting the development of future rally talent.
This marks the first time in WRC history that founding members of a World Championship event will compete in their own rally. Both Aava and Kütt have previous WRC experience, but have never shared a car on a WRC event. The pair last competed together in the 2010 Kehala Rally Sprint, making WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2026 their first major rally together. The project is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for both men. Aava's last WRC start came in 2009, while Kütt's was in 2010.
The duo are approaching the challenge seriously, following a comprehensive preparation programme covering physical, mental and technical aspects. Training sessions, rally tests and other activities will also involve young Estonian Rally2 drivers competing in this year's event.
Urmo Aava
"Silver and I have been involved in rallying for a long time and have organised rallies together, but we've never competed together at a major event. Being able to start Rally Estonia together is both a privilege and a unique opportunity, as most WRC organisers do not have previous experience as drivers. It will also allow us to see the rally from a driver's perspective and help us improve Rally Estonia even further. Rallying is a special sport where you can return after a 16 or 17-year break and still compete alongside the world's best. One goal of the Aava-Kütt project is to bring greater attention to Estonia's young generation of drivers and showcase the dedication and work required to succeed in rallying."
Silver Kütt
"Competing together at Rally Estonia has always been a dream for both of us. It's a huge challenge that we take very seriously and are preparing for accordingly. Over the years our organising team has become so strong that even if two of the founders are competing and must step away from organisational duties, the event will continue to run smoothly. We are grateful to the FIA, the WRC Promoter, the Estonian Autosport Union and our supporters for helping make this possible."
Supporting Estonia's Next Generation
Estonian rallying currently boasts several young drivers capable of progressing to the highest level of WRC competition in the coming years. Supporting young talent is a shared priority for both Rally Estonia and the WRC Promoter.
For the first time, the WRC Promoter has established a €50,000 prize fund for the three fastest young Estonian drivers in the WRC2 category:
An additional €50,000 grant will be provided to the Estonian Next Rallystar Fund in support of Patrick Enok's development programme.
Peter Thul, WRC Sporting Director
"WRC Delfi Rally Estonia has always been at the forefront of innovation, passionate fan engagement and support for emerging rally talent. Looking ahead to the new WRC regulations arriving in 2027, our objective alongside the FIA and stakeholders is to create a more accessible and sustainable platform for competitors while preserving the spectacle that makes WRC unique. Estonia has set a strong example by nurturing young drivers through WRC2, and we are pleased to support that pathway together with Rally Estonia."
Robert Virves
"We approach Rally Estonia like any other event, but prizes like these are always welcome. Our goal is to fight for the WRC2 victory on home roads. It won't be easy, as the competition is extremely strong, including several talented Estonian drivers eager to demonstrate their pace."
Romet Jürgenson
"This is a fantastic opportunity and something I don't recall seeing before. It's another innovative idea from Rally Estonia and will certainly motivate young drivers. Our aim at the home WRC round is to maximise our performance. We'll push hard and see where we stand against the competition."
Jaspar Vaher
"The announcement was a very positive surprise and a really exciting initiative. Knowing there is a significant financial reward at stake definitely adds motivation. While I don't want to set specific expectations, I will do my best to perform strongly on home roads."
Patrick Enok
"This additional support from the WRC Promoter reduces financial pressure and allows me to focus more on performance. It creates extra opportunities because success isn't only measured by results but also brings meaningful financial backing. We want to challenge the other Estonian drivers and compete near the front."
WRC Delfi Rally Estonia rally passes and fan passes are available through the official Rally Estonia online store and the Piletitasku ticketing platform.
It was also announced during the press conference that special edition fan passes featuring 2025 Delfi Rally Estonia winner Oliver Solberg and Latvian hero Mārtiņš Sesks will go on sale from 8 June. The official WRC Delfi Rally Estonia magazine will be released in mid-June and will be available at all Circle K service stations throughout Estonia.
Tarmo Hõbe, Commercial Director of WRC Delfi Rally Estonia
"Alongside the sporting side of the event, Rally Estonia has always had a strong entertainment component that brings rallying closer to people who may not be able to attend the stages in person. This is one of the characteristics that has made Rally Estonia well known throughout the WRC world and is appreciated by drivers, teams and the WRC Promoter alike.
Our goal is to provide the best possible fan experience. Every year we look for new opportunities to improve it, and I am confident that this year we will once again deliver an outstanding atmosphere and an unforgettable rally weekend in Southern Estonia."
This year's rally will feature an innovative schedule. On Thursday, 16 July, the traditional Rally Estonia opening show will take place in Tartu Town Hall Square, beginning at 18:00. The event will feature performances by internationally recognised artist NOËP and Estonia's Female Artist of the Year 2025, An-Marlen.
The ceremonial start podium will begin at 19:00, followed for the first time by a Rally1 demonstration run in central Tartu on Vabaduse Boulevard, immediately adjacent to the start podium area. All activities taking place in Tartu Town Hall Square and the city centre will be free of charge for spectators.
The WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2026 Service Park and extensive EXPO area will once again be located on the grounds of the Estonian National Museum, right at the heart of the rally. This is where fans can watch teams working in the service bays, follow the rally action, explore the EXPO and commercial areas, and participate in the daily "Meet the Crews" sessions. Admission to both the Service Park and EXPO area will be free for spectators. The venue will open on Thursday, 16 July, at 12:00. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including entertainment programmes, rally simulators, official merchandise, food and beverage offerings, exhibitors and many other activities for both children and adults.
Official Concert: 5MIINUST 10 AASTAT
On Friday evening, 17 July, the official WRC Delfi Rally Estonia concert will take place at the Tartu Song Festival Grounds. The concert, titled "5MIINUST 10 AASTAT" ("5MIINUST 10 YEARS"), will be the band's most spectacular show ever and will also be their only live performance of the summer.
This year's WRC Delfi Rally Estonia will be the final occasion on which fans can witness the current generation of Rally1 cars competing in Estonia.
The world's rally elite will once again be brought to Estonian roads, and, as in the previous year, the rally winner will be determined at the conclusion of the Power Stage. The event will culminate at the Kääriku Sports Centre, where the ceremonial finish podium will also take place.
Janno Siitan, CEO of WRC Delfi Rally Estonia
"We have invested significant effort into further developing the spectator experience in order to create even more memorable moments for our fans. Travelling and staying in caravans is becoming increasingly popular and forms an important part of rally culture. We have therefore invested further in creating dedicated caravan parking areas located directly alongside special stages, allowing spectators to enjoy the rally safely while experiencing an exceptional atmosphere.
In addition, we have been able to develop new spectator areas alongside several of our legendary viewing locations, giving fans fresh opportunities to experience the rally in new ways.
This year's rally will also feature historic rally cars competing on both the Elva and Tartu Parish stages. The final stage, Power Stage and finish podium at Kääriku Sports Centre have likewise been further developed, providing a fitting conclusion to this year's Rally Estonia."
Enhanced Spectator Experience
The organisers have continued to focus on improving the overall rally experience for spectators.
New and expanded caravan areas will allow fans to stay closer to the action than ever before, while additional spectator zones have been created at both established and newly developed viewing locations.
The introduction of historic rally cars to selected stages will add another layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event, giving spectators an opportunity to enjoy both the sport's past and present during the same rally weekend.
The organisers believe that the combination of world-class WRC competition, enhanced fan facilities and an expanded entertainment programme will provide one of the most complete rally experiences ever offered in Estonia.
All information regarding WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2026, including ticket sales, schedules, spectator information and the official rally shop, is available at: www.rallyestonia.ee
WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2026 will take place in Tartu and on the roads of the municipalities of Tartu, Otepää, Elva, Kanepi, Kambja, Kastre, Luunja, Peipsiääre and Mustvee from 16 to 19 July 2026.
Photo: Karli Saul