The countdown is over as the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy prepares to launch its new season at the Cremona Circuit, where 256 drivers are currently entered for the opening event scheduled from March 11 to March 15.
The Northern Italian venue will welcome an international field for the first of four championship rounds, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive year in the Rotax karting ecosystem. Following the strong participation seen at the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup earlier this year, the Euro Trophy opener continues that positive momentum, with drivers and teams from across Europe and beyond converging on Cremona for the start of their championship campaigns.
The event will feature all five Rotax categories (Mini MAX, Junior MAX, Senior MAX, DD2 and DD2 Masters), ensuring a full and diverse grid across both direct-drive and gearbox classes. Teams representing a broad cross-section of the international Rotax paddock are expected to be present, including long-standing competitors as well as new additions joining the series this season.
Beyond the on-track action, the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy once again offers a pathway toward the sport’s most prestigious Rotax event: the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, which will be celebrated in Portugal in 2026. RMCGF tickets will be awarded at the end of the season according to category standings, with places available for the championship top 3 in Junior MAX and Senior MAX, as well as the champions and vice-champions in DD2 and the DD2 Masters champion. The Mini MAX drivers will have the opportunity to secure their Grand Finals place through round victories during the season. Additional incentives will also be on offer throughout the championship.
At the final round of the series in Trinec, BRP-Rotax will award two special prizes during the podium ceremony: a Rotax MAX engine and a free entry for the following Euro Trophy season, both of which will be assigned through a draw among eligible competitors.
The 2026 season also introduces a unique opportunity for drivers thanks to the new partnership between the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy and the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. The winners of the Senior MAX and DD2 categories will be invited to take part in a test day with the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup fielded by Omnia Racing in the series. The test session will take place at the Cremona Circuit.
With a strong international turnout, valuable prizes on the line and a championship structure built around four key events, the opening round at Cremona will officially set the tone for the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy season.
Event Timetable
Friday, March 13; Free Practices 8:20 AM; Non Qualifying Practices 09:50 AM; Qualifying Practices 11:20 AM; 1:20 PM Heats.
Saturday, March 14: 8:20 AM Warm-up; 9:40 AM Heats.
Sunday, March 15: 8:45 AM Warm-up; Live on TV and Live Streaming from 10:40 AM for Pre-finals and 1:40 PM for Finals (DD2-Masters at 1:40 PM, Mini MAX at 2:10 PM, Junior MAX at 2:40 PM, Senior MAX at 3:10 PM).
On Sunday, March 15, the Pre-finals and Finals will be broadcast live.