FIA European Rallycross set to make history with first-ever night race in Lousada

The 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship will break new ground in September, with the season finale at Portugal's Lousada International Circuit becoming the first-ever FIA European Rallycross event to feature racing under the lights.

The championship's title deciders will provide an unforgettable spectacle as the iconic Portuguese venue hosts a unique double-header weekend, with semi-finals and finals on both Saturday and Sunday.

The revised event schedule will introduce a unique format across the three-day weekend. Friday's programme will feature Free Practice before the championship's opening qualifying action takes place under the lights, marking the first competitive FIA Rallycross sessions to be held at night.

Qualifying will continue in daylight on Saturday as drivers battle through the remaining qualifying sessions before the action builds towards a spectacular conclusion. As the sun sets, the first semi-finals and finals of the weekend will take centre stage. The revised format also accommodates the championship's double-header finale, with the concluding round of all four categories taking place in daylight on Sunday.

Lousada is one of rallycross' most atmospheric venues and provides the perfect setting for such an occasion. Nestled in the heart of the town, the circuit's natural amphitheatre allows fans to overlook the entire track, creating a striking atmosphere that has made it a favourite among drivers and spectators alike. With the championship set to be decided under the lights, fans can expect an even more spectacular backdrop for the season finale.

The venue is no stranger to evening competition either. Earlier this year, Lousada successfully hosted its own night rallycross event, showcasing both the circuit's lighting infrastructure and the incredible atmosphere that night racing can create. That success has paved the way for the FIA European Rallycross Championship to introduce the concept on the international stage.

Originally built in 1984, Lousada hosted rounds of the FIA European Rallycross Championship between 1991 and 2008. Since then, the circuit has remained an important part of the country's motor sport landscape, hosting the World RX season opener in 2025 and serving as a World Rally Championship Rally Portugal super special stage venue. Following its extensive redevelopment, the modernised circuit now combines its rich heritage with a challenging layout featuring a technical downhill section into a banked gravel corner before returning to tarmac for the joker lap and start-finish straight.

The historic weekend will bring the curtain down on the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship, with championship honours across all four categories set to be decided during a spectacular new chapter in the history of FIA European Rallycross.

Tickets for the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship season finale at Lousada are on sale now and can be purchased via the official ticketing platform at the link here.