The final stage of the World Rally Championship (WRC) 2026 has been moved from Saudi Arabia to Italy due to ongoing unrest and uncertainty in the Middle East. This change will reduce the number of stages this season to 13. The Saudi Rally, which was scheduled to take place from November 11 to 14 in Jeddah, will now be held as part of the Middle East Rally Championship, and instead, the WRC will conclude with the Rally Italy in Sardinia from October 1 to 4.
Reasons for the Venue Change
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has stated that Saudi Arabia is still prepared to host the rally safely, but due to "ongoing insecurities in the region and their impact on logistical arrangements," the decision has been made to transfer the final stage to Italy. Mohammed bin Sulayman, the head of the FIA, has stated that organizers have explored all options to maintain the Saudi Rally as a stage of the WRC.
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Economic and Sporting Consequences
The transfer of this stage of the competition to Italy has added more uncertainty to the championship race. Currently, Elfyn Evans from the UK is leading the competition with 17 points, while a maximum of 35 points can be earned in Sardinia. Evans, who has been a runner-up in the last five editions, is striving to become the third British champion of this event. This change also means that hosting major sporting events in the Middle East will face serious challenges.
This change comes at a time when the Middle East is facing multiple tensions, including the Israel-Gaza war, conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, as well as Saudi Arabia's confrontation with Houthi rebels in Yemen. These tensions have forced motorsport events this year to alter their schedules. The International Automobile Federation has previously canceled the Formula One events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with the Bahrain race being moved to Malaysia.
While the Saudi Rally will still be held independently on its scheduled dates, its non-participation as a stage of the WRC highlights the challenges of hosting sporting events in this region. Bin Sulayman also emphasized that trust in the organizers and the long-term future of this rally has not changed, and planning for the return of the WRC to Saudi Arabia in 2027 will continue.
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