The Winter Romania Historic Rally celebrated its 10th edition from 15 to 17 January 2026 in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, in Transylvania. Renowned for its spectacular scenery and extreme winter conditions, the event once again lived up to expectations, delivering a rally contested entirely on snow and ice.
Victory went to Nicolas Thérond / Jean-Marc Laviale in a Subaru Impreza
Credit: www.romania-historic-rally.com
This edition featured a particularly demanding programme, with 14 special stages totalling 220 timed kilometres over an overall route of 360 km, around Covasna and the Comandău plateau. Two new 30 km special stages, highly technical in nature, further increased the difficulty of the event. Weather conditions were ideal for a winter rally: snow, ice and cold were all present, providing a playing field worthy of the crews’ expectations. Snow covered all of the special stages.
Credit: www.romania-historic-rally.com
After a shakedown held on the morning of Thursday, 15 January, the start was given at 16:30 for the first day of competition, with three special stages and 48 timed kilometres on the programme. At the end of this opening day, Michal Kopcek led the rally, ahead of Laurent Battut (Toyota Celica) and Nicolas Thérond.
The second day, Friday 16 January, began in thick fog. Competitors faced 110 timed kilometres spread across six special stages, including a 30 km stage run out and back. The day was marked by several retirements and mechanical problems, notably affecting Paul Chabloz, winner of the previous three editions. At the end of the day, Nicolas Thérond moved into the lead, ahead of Michal Kopacek, followed by Romain Bouchard.
Credit: www.romania-historic-rally.com
On Saturday, 17 January, under bright sunshine and temperatures around –10°C, the crews set off from 9:00 for the final leg, consisting of five special stages totalling 69 timed kilometres.
In the final classification, Nicolas Thérond / Jean-Marc Laviale in a Subaru Impreza claimed victory in this 10th Winter Rally, ahead of Romain Bouchard / Thomas Benier in a Mitsubishi EVO 5. Third place went to the Czech crew of Michal Kopacek / Jiri Kalkus, also in a Subaru Impreza.
Credit: www.romania-historic-rally.com
A 2006 Subaru Impreza will be offered for sale by our partner, Iconic Auctioneers, at the Iconic Sale at Race Retro – Collectors’ Cars. The vehicle carries a pre-sale estimate of £38,000 to £48,000. The auction will take place on 21 February 2026, commencing at 1:00 pm (UK time), at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, United Kingdom.
2006 Subaru Impreza | Estimate £38,000 - £48,000
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