Looks like you didn't notice that the new rally Japan will be on tarmac.
I think he means that a tarmac round should be introduced, or replace a gravel round, rather than replace an event already on tarmac. Something I agree with, makes the championship a bit more even in terms of surfaces.
Dates for Round 1 of the 2026 European Rally Championship are 17th-19th April.
[ERC] Rally Sierra Morena 2026