Elba Historic Rally returns with 149 entries and new European format
The 38th Rallye Elba Storico–Trofeo Locman Italy will take place 24–26 September 2026, attracting 149 competitors across multiple championships. Organised by ACI Livorno Sport, the event counts towards both divisions of the renewed FIA European Historic Rally Championship, the Italian Historic Rally Championship (as round seven of nine), and the Italian Historic Regularity Championship, alongside several national trophies.
A significant change for this edition is the expanded competitive distance, now reaching 140.080 kilometres across ten special stages. The event will operate two separate service parks—one at Porto Azzurro for European Championship competitors and another at Capoliveri for Italian Championship participants—reflecting the new FIA format requirements. Administrative checks will be held at Hotel Airone in Portoferraio, with technical scrutineering at Porto Azzurro's waterfront.
The Pre-1992 category features strong international representation, with Maciej Lubiak (Poland, Porsche 911) second in the European standings on 127 points, while championship leader Seb Perez is absent. Enrico Brazzoli (Italy, Porsche 911) arrives as third overall with 101 points and leads Category 4 with 157. Notable returnees include Renato Travaglia (Italy, Ford Sierra Cosworth 4×4), a four-time winner of the modern Elba Rally and two-time European champion. The Pre-2000 category is headed by François Delecour (France, Peugeot 306 Maxi), leading Category 6 with 112 points.
The Italian Historic Regularity Championship (CIRAR) will run concurrently as the "Graffiti" event with a 1.5 coefficient multiplier. Competitors from Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, and San Marino are entered. The Abarth 112 Trophy features 17 entries, with Marcello Morino and Massimo Barrera leading by one point over defending champions Fabrizio Zanelli and Claudio Zanni. Twenty local Elban crews are also registered.
The rally begins Thursday evening with a street stage in Capoliveri, continues Friday in the island's western section with a night regroup at Capoliveri, and concludes Saturday on eastern roads with the finish in Capoliveri's historic centre. The event also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 131 Abarth's rally debut, which occurred at Elba.