The 2026 World Rally Championship season will end earlier than expected, after the FIA confirmed the cancellation of the Saudi Arabia Rally, which was due to take place from November 11 to 14. Thus, the Sardinia Rally, scheduled for October 1-4, will be the last event of the year.
The decision to cancel the event was made in a context of insecurity in the region, and after several discussions with the teams, including Toyota and Hyundai, who reported that their members could not travel due to internal company policies. M-Sport-Ford, although prepared to participate, received new travel warnings that advised against their presence in Saudi Arabia.
According to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, all options were explored to maintain the Saudi Arabia Rally, but regional events made its celebration unfeasible. Nevertheless, the FIA remains confident in the organizers for future editions.
This cancellation significantly changes the dynamics of the championship. With only one event remaining, Elfyn Evans seems poised to make history, as he leads the standings with a 17-point advantage over his teammate, Sami Pajari. This positions him to become the first Briton to win the WRC title since Richard Burns in 2001.
The cancellation of the Saudi Arabia Rally will not affect the holding of the Middle East Rally Championship event, which will go ahead as planned. Thus, the focus now shifts to Sardinia, where high-level competition is expected to close the season.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
