Rally Saudi Dropped from WRC Schedule Amid Regional Unrest

Rally Saudi Arabia will not take place as part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in November, due to ongoing regional developments and logistical challenges. The event was scheduled to be the 14th and final round of the 2026 season, but now the championship will conclude on October 4 at Rally Italia Sardegna.

The decision was confirmed by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who stated that despite significant work undertaken by organizers, the WRC element of the event would not proceed this year. However, the FIA Middle East Rally Championship event will continue as planned in November.

Hyundai and Toyota had already expressed their intention not to travel to the event due to instability in the Middle East. The missile attacks on the Aramco oil facility in Yanbu on Wednesday further solidified this decision.

WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier confirmed that Rally Saudi Arabia will be back on the calendar for 2027, and the organizers remain confident in their ability to deliver a world-class WRC event.