The eagerly anticipated sixth instalment of JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion is fast approaching, with a record number of 149 entries revealed for the UK’s premier rally event.
The coastal town of Aberystwyth is gearing up for a global feel as it welcomes competitors and teams from 18 nations across the International, Historic and National rallies taking place over the three-day, all-asphalt test from September 4-6.
Rali Ceredigion will once again bring together the cream of European and British talent in both modern and historic machinery. The 2026 event hosts the FIA European Rally Championship, Motorsport UK British Rally Championship and, for the first time, the FIA European Historic Rally Championship for cars manufactured before 1992.
The four-way fight for the European Rally title is hotting up with ERC and World Championship star Teemu Suninen leading the charge with a 25-point advantage heading to Wales.
However, the Finn has never competed on the Ceredigion stages before and will start his recce from scratch, while championship rivals Andrea Mabellini, Mikołaj Marczyk and Jakub Matulka all have previous experience of these challenging stages.
They are likely to face stiff competition from five-time World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke, who will make his Rali Ceredigion debut.
The exciting Northern Irishman will undoubtedly light up the stages and ignite the passion of rallying spectators in his Toyota Yaris Rally2, hoping his experience will help put him in the mix.
Looking to take the fight to the European visitors are British Rally Championship front-runners Max McRae (Škoda Fabia Rally2), Meirion Evans (Toyota Yaris Rally2) and two-time Rali Ceredigion winner Osian Pryce (Toyota Yaris Rally2).
All four will lock horns in the BRC title race, with two rounds of the championship being held over the three-day rally. Other local drivers to look out for on the International entry list include young rising star and works Vauxhall driver Ioan Lloyd in a Vauxhall Corsa Rally4.
For the first time, the FIA European Historic Rally Championship comes to the Welsh lanes. Seb Perez tops the standings and is ready to unleash the legendary Lancia Stratos, leading an eclectic mix of rally cars from yesteryear.
Polish driver Maciej Lubiak and Italian Enzo Brazzoli will harness a brace of Porsche 911s in Wales, while Tomas Davies has his eyes on victory in his stunning BMW M3.
The immortal classic Ford Escort Mk2 is represented in the hands of Andy Davies, with triple British Champion Mark Higgins piloting a thunderous Triumph TR7 V8 sports car.
A wide range of rallying machines spanning the history of the sport will also fight for the coveted National Rally title honours.
Welshman John Dalton, in the Welsh-built Darrian T90 GTR, leads the field, with fellow countryman Rhys Wyn Davies, in a similar rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive machine, also expected to go well.
The pair will be hoping it stays dry across the weekend, while top four-wheel-drive seeds Dylan Davies (Škoda Fabia R5) and Aled Wyn Morgans (Ford Fiesta Rally2) will be looking to use their superior traction to good effect. A tantalising battle is all set to play out across the event’s 16 stages.
The 2026 edition of JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion is fast approaching, with the ceremonial start taking place on Thursday, September 3, followed by three days of competitive, special-stage action. Tickets are available for stages across all three days at www.raliceredigion.co.uk.
