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FIA Removes WRC Round in Saudi Arabia, Sardinia Set to Decide 2026 Title

The governing body cited regional uncertainty that disrupted logistics, reclassifying the November event as a Middle East Rally Championship round.

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Rally Saudi Arabia will proceed as scheduled from November 12-15 as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Photo: FIA
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Overview

  • The FIA and WRC Promoter announced on Thursday, September 17 that the WRC element of Rally Saudi Arabia will not take place in 2026 and the rally will run on the same dates as a FIA Middle East Rally Championship event.
  • The decision makes Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for 1–4 October, the proposed 13th and final WRC round pending approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
  • The change immediately concentrates the drivers’ title fight into one round with Elfyn Evans leading by 17 points and a maximum 35 points available in Sardinia while Toyota has already secured the manufacturers’ championship.
  • The FIA said it made the call after months of talks with Saudi organisers, teams and stakeholders because ongoing regional uncertainty was affecting travel and logistical arrangements for competitors and staff.
  • Saudi officials said the kingdom remained ready to host and pledged to work to bring the WRC back in 2027, and the decision has increased scrutiny of other international events planned in the Gulf, including Formula 1 end‑of‑season races.