Saudi Arabia Rally cancelled – World Championship ends in Sardinia

The number of races has been reduced from 14 to 13. And the planned desert finale has been replaced by a showdown on the gravel tracks of the Mediterranean island. The decision was taken following weeks of discussions between the FIA, the World Championship promoter, the Saudi Arabian Motor and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the local organiser. The reason: the ongoing uncertainty in the region makes the logistical planning of the WRC round too risky.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained: “However, due to ongoing regional developments, the WRC leg of the Rally Saudi Arabia will not take place this year.” At the same time, the FIA makes it clear: this is not a farewell. Ben Sulayem intends to work with the Saudi partners and the World Championship promoter to bring the rally back into the World Championship in 2027.

Saudi Arabia is nevertheless set to remain involved in rallying. The event is scheduled to take place as planned from 12 to 15 November as a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Only its WRC status will be withdrawn in 2026.

For the FIA and the World Championship promoter, this is nevertheless a bitter pill to swallow. The Saudis have a long-term contract, the culmination of which was intended to be a spectacular season finale. Fast gravel sections, open desert stretches and technically demanding special stages around Jeddah were to bring the World Championship to a close. That will now not happen.

The key issue is logistics. A World Championship round involves far more than just a few closed-off roads. Vehicles, spare parts, tools and personnel have to be transported over long distances. Added to this are travel arrangements, insurance, accommodation, safety protocols and the coordination of numerous international stakeholders.

Topic of the week

Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring: track – hit or miss?

The people of Madrid had set their sights high for their city’s first Formula 1 World Championship race since 1981. But have the high expectations for the new Madring mixed-circuit track really been met?

Read More

TV Program

Live

Rallye Italien: Powerstage

FIA World Rally Championship

04.10.2026 - 14:00

This is precisely where the situation became too uncertain. According to their own statements, the FIA and the World Championship promoter explored various options. In the end, cancellation was the only option left. There will be no replacement round.

Sardinia has thus suddenly become the season finale – and it’s a tough one. From 1 to 4 October, the final World Championship points will be up for grabs on the island’s demanding gravel stages. Narrow tracks, washed-out sections, blind crests and high tyre wear make the rally a brutal test for drivers and cars alike. And this time, everything is at stake.

After twelve rounds, just 17 points separate Elfyn Evans and Sami Pajari. Oliver Solberg is a further four points behind on 209 points. Sardinia will therefore not only mark an early end to the season; the island could decide the outcome of the World Championship.

Plans are also changing for the teams. The trip to Saudi Arabia, originally scheduled for November, has been cancelled. Transport, personnel and preparations for the desert rally can be scrapped.

The calendar is now clear: Chile is followed by Sardinia. After that, the season is over.

On 4 October, the final curtain will fall on the 2026 WRC season on the island’s gravel stages.

The planned Saudi final is history. The door remains open for 2027. Until then, Sardinia will host the final World Championship battle.