Hosting of the 2026 World Rally Championship final in Saudi Arabia uncertain

Due to the poor security situation in the Gulf region, the FIA is expected to decide in September whether the rally can go ahead in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled earlier this year after the US and Iran became embroiled in direct military conflict. Saudi Arabia is also affected by the conflict due to its close alliance with the US.

Sebastien Ogier in Saudi-Arabien 2025 zum neunten WM-Titel

Foto: Red Bull

The World Endurance Championship rounds in Qatar and Bahrain have already been moved to Europe due to the conflict.

Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has already stated that, given the current security situation, the Saudi Arabian Rally should not go ahead.

If the Saudi Arabian Rally were to be cancelled, the big question is whether it could be replaced by another event. Alternatively, there is the option of ending the season early, in early October, after 13 rounds, with the Rally Sardinia.

The issue was raised with FIA representatives last week during the Rally Finland, but the governing body was unable to provide any definitive answers.

Emilia Abel, Director of Road Racing at the FIA, emphasised that the organisation is currently working closely with the World Championship promoter and the Saudi organisers to find “the best way forward”.

“As we all know, this situation can change very quickly. Even if we were to reach a positive decision shortly, it could still be the case that the situation has changed completely by the following week.”

Sebastien Ogier in der Monza-Steilkurve beim WM-Finale 2021 zum Sieg

Foto: Red Bull

“We are currently discussing this very intensively with the manufacturer teams as well. Based on experience from other championships, we know that this can also lead to restrictions,” explained Abel.

The FIA has so far declined to comment on whether it has a contingency plan or a replacement event in mind. However, should the reports in the Spanish media prove accurate, the championship could still be concluded at an alternative venue.

The respected Spanish sports newspaper *Diario AS* reports that two rallies in Spain could potentially serve as the season finale of the World Rally Championship.

The legendary Rally Catalunya, which brought the World Rally Championship to a close in 2022, is scheduled for 23 and 24 October as part of the Spanish Super Rally Championship.

A week later, the Rally Ciudad de Granada, a round of the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship, is due to take place. According to AS, both events are being considered as possible replacements for the Saudi Arabian Rally.

The Rally Catalunya is held on tarmac. This could make Granada the more likely option, as that rally – just like the planned event in Saudi Arabia – is held on gravel.

The choice of surface is particularly important in terms of its significance for the WRC2 Championship.

The Italian Autodromo di Monza does not appear to have been included in the considerations so far.

The 10th edition of the Special Rally Circuit is scheduled to take place in Monza on the weekend of 14–15 November. The classic Rally Monza was awarded World Rally Championship status in 2020 and 2021, years marked by the coronavirus pandemic. The World Championship final rounds were held just outside Milan.