Junior BRC 2026: Rally6 cars are also coming to Belgium

After France and Germany, it’s now Belgium’s turn to enter the Rally6 era. Starting in 2026, the Junior Belgian Rally Championship, reserved for young drivers aged 18 to 27, will be exclusively open to cars from the new Rally6 category. A major evolution aiming to make rallying more accessible for young drivers taking their first step into official competition 👏

A new milestone for the Junior BRC and the Rally6 pathway in Belgium 🇧🇪

Until now, the Junior BRC has served as a springboard to higher levels, with cars in the Rally5 or Rally4 categories. Several champions from this pathway have gone on to shine in European or World Championships. Among them are Grégoire Munster, Guillaume de Mevius and Lander Depotter, all of whom came through the Junior BRC before joining European programs 🏆

By opting for Rally6, Belgium follows the trend already observed in France and Germany, where this new category has proven popular for its simplicity and controlled costs.

The move to Rally6 does not change the philosophy of the Junior BRC: a single category, reduced costs, and strict technical equality. Young talents will have the choice between four models: the Peugeot 208 Rally6, Opel Corsa Rally6, Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally6, and Renault Clio Rally6. 👉 You can find their full presentation in our article “Clio, Corsa, Ypsilon... Rally6 welcomes new cars”.

The RACB Rally Battle: a national selection for two winners

To accompany this transition, the RACB National Team (RNT) is relaunching a new Rally Volant program in partnership with Opel Team Belgium. Named RACB Rally Battle, this initiative aims to discover young Belgian talents and offer them a full season in an Opel Corsa Rally6 starting in 2026 💪

The conditions are simple: be Belgian, born in 1999 or later, and hold a valid driver’s license. Registration is done directly online at rallybattle.be.

How does the RACB Rally Battle work?

This new talent identification program from the RACB National Team is open to all young Belgians born in 1999 or later who hold a driver’s license. The goal: to identify two talents who will each earn a full season in an Opel Corsa Rally6 starting in 2026. The process unfolds in three stages, combining simulation, circuit driving, and real-world rally testing 👇

With its symbolic entry fee and multi-stage format, the RACB Rally Battle highlights merit and pure potential. It’s a true opportunity for young, motivated drivers to get noticed and begin their Rally6 journey in professional conditions 💪

This program combines accessibility and meritocracy: with a symbolic registration fee and a transparent selection process, the RACB Rally Battle becomes a real gateway to modern rallying. A rare opportunity for rally beginners to get behind the wheel of a new, high-performance car that’s 100% compliant with the new Rally6 regulations 😋

Rally6: modern cars designed to remain affordable

RACB Sport has chosen to simplify the technical aspects to reduce costs. The Rally6 cars will run on standard road tires and pump fuel, in order to limit wear and operating expenses. The idea is to allow young drivers to focus on driving and consistency without multiplying expenses in development or tire sets 💸

“To keep costs down, the cars will use standard tires and pump fuel. This way, running costs will remain at a minimum. The advantage is that young drivers will be able to take their first steps with a modern, affordable rally car equipped with the latest safety features.”
— Xavier Schene, General Director of RACB Sport

Junior BRC: a simpler and clearer format for 2026

• Age: 18 to 27 years
• Category: Rally6 only
• Tires: road tires
• Fuel: pump fuel
• Classification: 6 best results counted
• Prizes: bonus package to come (RACB + BRC promoter)

This format maintains the philosophy of the Junior BRC: a rally school where pure driving skill takes precedence over technical advantage. It is above all a championship for learning, getting noticed, and preparing a step up toward Rally4 or European one-make cups 🚀

Junior BRC Winners (2013 → 2025) 🏆

• 2025 – Lander Depotter (Opel Corsa Rally4)
• 2024 – Jonas Dewilde (Peugeot 208 Rally4)
• 2023 – Jonas Dewilde (Renault Clio Rally4)
• 2022 – Tom Rensonnet (Renault Clio Rally4)
• 2021 – Charles Munster (Opel Corsa Rally4)
• 2020 – Charles Munster (Opel Adam R2)
• 2019 – Grégoire Munster (Opel Adam R2)
• 2018 – Grégoire Munster (Opel Adam R2)
• 2017 – Guillaume de Mevius (Peugeot 208 R2)
• 2016 – Geusens Polle (Peugeot 208 R2 / Ford Fiesta R2T)
• 2015 – Andy Dewallef (Renault Twingo R1)
• 2014 – Guillaume Dilley (Peugeot 208 R2)
• 2013 – Matthias Boon (Peugeot 208 R2 / Skoda Fabia R2)

Junior BRC: an age limit that raises questions

The limit set at 27 years old raises questions among some observers: a 26-year-old driver still competing in a “Junior” category might appear both experienced and financially more stable than true beginners aged 18 or 19. However, this extension is also intended to allow newcomers who discover the discipline later to access a formative championship without artificial barriers. The RACB thus seems intent on balancing openness and progression, rather than restricting access to the category solely by age.

Conclusion: a clearer pathway for young drivers

With the switch to Rally6 and the launch of the RACB Rally Battle, Belgium is clearly structuring its pathway into modern rallying. Simpler cars, reduced running costs, an open talent-scouting program, and a vision consistent with what’s being done in France and Germany — the Junior BRC 2026 is shaping up to be an essential stepping stone for the next generation of Belgian drivers.