Saudi Arabia dropped from World Rally Championship
Summary
The final race of the 2026 World Rally Championship will move from Saudi Arabia to Italy due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia will still host the rally on the original dates, but it will be part of a different regional championship instead of the global WRC.Key Facts
- The last race of the 2026 WRC was planned for Saudi Arabia from November 11-14 but will now be held in Sardinia, Italy from October 1-4.
- The WRC season is shortened from 14 to 13 rounds because of this change.
- Saudi Arabia joined the World Rally Championship calendar in 2025.
- The FIA, the global body for motor sports, said the decision was made due to "uncertainty in the region" affecting logistics.
- Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East include the Israel-Gaza war, Iran and U.S. conflict, and fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Other sports events like Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were also moved or canceled in 2026 because of safety concerns.
- WRC leader Elfyn Evans from Great Britain is close to winning the championship before the final round.
- Organizers and the FIA still support Saudi Arabia hosting rallies in the future despite this year's change.
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