Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Barum Czech Rally Zlín has published the Supplementary Regulations for the 55th edition

16. 6. 2026 - Roman Ordelt

Just two months remain until the start of the 55th edition of the BARUM CZECH RALLY ZLÍN, which will take place in the surroundings of Zlín from August 14 to 16, 2026. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Paris has recently approved the rally's core document in the form of the Supplementary Regulations, including the time schedule. All necessary documents are available for download on the official website of the competition.

The main classifications of the Zlín rally, organized by the Auto klub Barum Zlín in cooperation with Rallye Zlín spol. s r.o., are traditionally the FIA European Rally Championship for drivers and co-drivers (FIA ERC) and the Autoklub Czech Republic Rally Championship 2026 (MČR). In the European Championship, Barum rally is the fifth event of the seven-round series. The competition counts towards the Junior European Rally Championship standings as well, and following a calendar adjustment, it will serve as the final event for the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy. The 55th edition of Barum rally measures a total of 787 km and features 13 special stages across seven sections, with a total length of 206 km. Rally Headquarters will once again be located in the dominant landmark of the regional capital – the Regional Office of the Zlín Region (Building 21), while the press center will be located in the lobby of AB Continental Barum in Otrokovice.

The nominations of the main rally officials are now known. After a long seventeen years, a woman will once again arrive in Zlín in the role of Chairperson of the Stewards; this year it will be Alice Scutellà from Italy. The last time a woman held this position was in 2009, namely Anita Passalis from Greece. The other Stewards are Konstantin Bevz from Ukraine and Tomáš Kunc from the Czech Republic, who is the Secretary General of Automobile and Motorcycle Sport of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic. Miikka Anttila from Finland has been nominated as the FIA Sporting Delegate once again, Benjamin Schmidt from Germany will serve as the Safety Delegate, and Emanuele Saglia from Italy will introduce himself in the role of Technical Delegate. The Competitor Relations Officers (CRO) are Wolfgang Gastorfer and Veronika Havelková.

The entire competition, from reconnaissance to the finish line, will run in a five-day format, just like last year. On Wednesday morning, August 12, the distribution of roadbooks, GPS units for reconnaissance, and optional administrative checks will take place at the rally secretariat premises on Hornomlýnská Street in Zlín. At midday, competitors will also begin the recces of the special stages, which will continue through Thursday. The service park will once again be located on the premises of the rally's main partner, Continental Barum in Otrokovice, where technical scrutineering, checks, and the marking of mechanical parts will take place on Thursday afternoon, August 13. Administrative checks will be held at Rally Headquarters at the same time.

The prelude to this semi-jubilee edition of the event will feature the Qualifying Stage on Friday morning, August 14, followed by the Shakedown in Žlutava, which will take place near the service area. The Ceremonial Start will happen at 16:00 in front of the Zlín City Hall, and the competitive action will kick off for the twenty-first time in the rally's history with the attractive Super Special Stage in the night streets of Zlín. Within the Czech Championship, this stage starts as early as 20:30, while the European field will appear after 21:35. Three laps will be run once again, and the best drivers will traditionally start at the very end of Friday's schedule.

On Saturday, August 15, the schedule features special stages named Pohořelice, Troják, and Bunč. The first leg, including Friday's Super Special Stage, measures 445 km and contains 122 timed kilometers. The competition will culminate on Sunday, August 16, with the Pindula, Semetín, and Kateřinice special stages. This very last section in the Vsetín region will once again serve as the final Power Stage. Sunday's portion comprises a 342 km long route, with the special stages totaling 84 km. The most successful crews will appear at the finish line of the rally at 17:30, and the ceremonial prize-giving will take place in Zlín's main square called Náměstí Míru in front of the City Hall.

The closing date for entries for competitors is set for Monday, July 27. Every competitor in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC registered) must complete an online version of the entry form for the rally on the website: https://registrations.fia.com/rally Every unregistered competitor in the FIA European Rally Championship must complete an online version of the entry form for the rally on the website: https://registrations.fia.com/erccze The maximum number of accepted entries is 150.

Classifications of the 55th Barum Czech Rally Zlín:

FIA European Rally Championship for Drivers and Co-Drivers
FIA European Rally Championship for Teams
FIA European Rally Championship for Tyre Manufacturers
FIA ERC 3 for Drivers and Co-Drivers
FIA ERC 4 for Drivers and Co-Drivers
FIA Junior ERC for Drivers
FIA Master ERC for Drivers
M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy
Autoklub Czech Republic Rally Championship
Autoklub Rally Challenge
Autoklub Czech Republic Junior Champion
Czech Republic Ladies' Cup
Master Cup

Further information can be found at www.czechrally.com. Do not forget to follow Barum Czech Rally Zlín on social media via its official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and in other press releases.