The European banger rally season gets its engine started in May with a host of great events to test your driving skills, endurance and appetite for fun.
Here the banger racing fans at Sterling Insurance pick out the best European banger rallies to look out for on the continent this season.
F1 Grand Prix Rally
There’s no better banger rally for Formula 1 fans. The F1 Grand Prix Rally will see you visit eight different countries from northern France down to northern Italy, taking in incredible scenery and testing your driving skills.
Arrive in time to enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix, and visit Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, Nürburgring (ex-F1), two other abandoned F1 circuits and lots, lots more. If you only ever get to see one F1 Grand Prix in your life, make sure it’s the one at Monaco, which is, of course, the most glamorous and historic track on the calendar.
James Bond Swiss Run
The James Bond Swiss Run sees you through Switzerland’s stunning roads and winding mountain passes as drivers go in search of James Bond. The rally visits the Grimsel and Furka Passes which feature in 007’s Goldfinger and the GoldenEye Dam.
If you dare, you can even do the same bungee jump that Bond did and take the same cable car ride featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service!
Two Ball Banger Rally – The Beach Route
If you’re looking for a more lighthearted banger rally then the Beach Route is the choice for you. With fellow contestants wearing fancy dress and driving with elaborate car decorations on their banger rally vehicle exterior, it’s bound to be a fun event.
The four-day rally takes in stunning mountain passes and some of the most glorious beach resorts the Mediterranean has to offer.
Two Ball Banger Rally – The Romanian Route
The Romanian Route takes in five breathtaking countries before finishing in the picturesque city of Bucharest on the Transfagarasan highway.
Your journey will begin in the small, but beautiful city of St Quentin, France before heading to Germany, Austria, Hungary and finally Romania.
This rally is spread out over five days from 27th August to 1st September, which gives you the perfect chance to take in the surroundings of all five countries.
The Italian Job
You can dream the dream in The Italian Job which departs on 7th October.
The route will take you through the open French countryside and around the spectacular Lake Geneva, Swiss mountains and hairpin roads such as the St. Bernards Pass, where Charlie Croker – played by Michael Caine – and his gang were famously relieved of their cars by the Mafia in the film that inspires the rally.
You will also see other unforgettable film locations and the exciting traffic chaos of Turin, with a magnificent final-day trip to Monaco before finishing in Nice.
Of course, in the film of The Italian Job, Croker and co were up to no good, but you can read our blog to learn about laws you need to know when driving in Europe.
Road Trip to Prague
Road trip to Prague sees entrants driving to the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square and the Prague astronomical clock.
These unique attractions will truly make this exhilarating tour of a dozen countries in just seven days unforgettable! You’ll see the Nurburgring, the Stelvio and Timmelsjoch passes, as well as the Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums.
Rex to Nice
The Rex to Nice Banger Rally will take you from the lush vineyards of Reims to amazing lakes, snow-capped mountains and Monaco before reaching the fabulous and cosmopolitan south coast resort of Nice with lots of fun and frolics along the way.
Still not found a European banger rally for 2025? Check out our Sterling Insurance banger rally calendar to help with your search.
Banger rally insurance
OK, you’ve got the rally, you’ve got the banger, now all you need is the right insurance to keep you covered for all eventualities.
That’s where the banger rally insurance experts at Sterling Insurance come in with great deals costing from as little as £95 a week. Call 0344 381 9990 for a swift no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time better suited to you.