Middle East Conflict Stops Final WRC Round...
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global authority for motor sport and mobility organisations, along with WRC Promoter, has announced that Rally Saudi Arabia, set for 12–15 November, will not be part of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship.
The FIA and WRC Promoter have collaborated extensively with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the local organizing team, and championship stakeholders to explore all options for holding the WRC event as planned.
Despite these efforts, ongoing regional uncertainties affecting logistical arrangements mean the WRC segment of Rally Saudi Arabia will not proceed in 2026.
Saudi Arabia was prepared to host the event safely and successfully. The Kingdom continues to function normally, with national systems operational and sports and entertainment events ongoing as part of a busy annual calendar.
Reflecting this confidence, Rally Saudi Arabia will still take place from 12–15 November as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), minus the WRC component. The FIA will continue to collaborate with SAMF and the organizing team to ensure the event's safe and successful execution.
The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship will instead conclude at Rally Italia Sardegna from 1–4 October, marking the 13th and final round of the season. With the FIA Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship leaders separated by 17 points, Sardinia's challenging gravel stages will provide an apt setting for the 2026 title showdown.
The calendar change is pending approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
“We have worked closely with our partners in Saudi Arabia, our Member Club the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, WRC Promoter, and our championship stakeholders to explore every avenue to allow Rally Saudi Arabia to occur as planned. However, ongoing regional developments mean the WRC element of Rally Saudi Arabia will not proceed this year. These decisions are difficult, especially after the significant work by everyone involved in preparing for the event.
“While the WRC element will not happen this year, our confidence in the organizers and the rally's long-term future remains unchanged. The FIA Middle East Rally Championship event will continue as planned in November, and we will keep working closely with SAMF, SMC, and the organizing team to support the event's successful delivery in November. “Our focus is now on the future. We will continue collaborating with our partners in Saudi Arabia and WRC Promoter to bring the FIA World Rally Championship back in 2027.
“My thanks to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, Saudi Motorsport Company, and the entire organizing team for their significant efforts and ongoing cooperation throughout this process.”
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of SAMF and Chairman of SMC, said: “We respect the decision made by the FIA and WRC Promoter, while acknowledging the high anticipation for Rally Saudi Arabia in Jeddah this November.
“Saudi Arabia's readiness and confidence remain unchanged. The Kingdom was prepared to host, preparations were advanced, and our capability to deliver safe and successful international motorsport is clear. “That confidence will be demonstrated through the continuation of our local and regional motorsport calendar, including the Middle East Rally Championship. Motorsport in Saudi Arabia continues, major events across the Kingdom continue, and our commitment to bringing the FIA World Rally Championship to the Kingdom remains firm.”
Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, said: “This has been a tough decision, especially given the significant effort and commitment from our partners in Saudi Arabia to prepare for this year's event. However, the ongoing regional developments and logistical challenges necessitate providing certainty and clarity for the remainder of the 2026 season.”
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