Conner Martell in the first two rounds of the French Gravel Rally Championship

The 28-year-old American driver, Conner Martell, announced a few days ago his intention to return to European soil in 2026 after a successful first experience with the French team 2C Compétition, marked by his first outings in Rally2 in the United States and by a stunning second-place finish in the final. Rally Terre de Vaucluse 2025. He will be at the start of the first two races of the 2026 season, the Rallye Castine Terre d'Occitanie on March 7th and 8th, and then the Rallye Terre des Causses on April 4th and 5th, at the wheel of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 that he debuted last year and which will also sport the same livery as in Orange three months ago. "I'm looking forward to gaining more experience in our international activities and representing the United States in one of the countries where I've most enjoyed racing," the reigning US Vice-Champion stated on his social media. He will once again be co-driven by Ken Block's former co-driver, Alessandro Gelsomino.

France before WRC2?

Martell had also announced in recent weeks that his 2026 program would be geared towards both the French Gravel Rally Championship and the World Rally Championship in WRC2. With experience primarily gained on gravel, it's conceivable that the American could be competing in events such as Portugal, Greece, or Finland this summer, a rally whose profile is quite similar to those he regularly participates in in the United States. At the Rallye Castine in the Lot region in early March, Martell will encounter a very different and challenging terrain, unlike the Rallye Terre des Causses in early April, where the roads will be faster. Nevertheless, Conner Martell demonstrated his adaptability at the Rallye Terre de Vaucluse last year, where he impressed everyone with his top speed and his ability to navigate between the vines. While the plans of the French headliners for CFRT 2026 are not yet known, here is, perhaps, a first client that is being revealed.