The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) will conclude earlier than originally planned after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and WRC Promoter confirmed that Rally Saudi Arabia will no longer form part of the championship this season.
Originally scheduled to take place from 12–15 November, Rally Saudi Arabia will still go ahead as planned, but without its WRC status. The event will instead be held as a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
The decision follows months of discussions between the FIA, WRC Promoter, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the local organising team and other championship stakeholders. The parties explored a range of options in an effort to ensure that the WRC event could take place as scheduled.
However, continued uncertainty in the region and its impact on logistical arrangements ultimately made it necessary to remove the WRC element from the 2026 event.
According to the FIA and WRC Promoter, Saudi Arabia remained prepared to host the rally safely and successfully. The Kingdom continues to operate normally, with national systems fully functional and a busy calendar of sporting and entertainment events proceeding as planned.
Rally Saudi Arabia will therefore continue from 12–15 November under the MERC banner. The FIA said it will maintain close cooperation with SAMF and the local organisers to support the safe and successful running of the event.
With Rally Saudi Arabia removed from the calendar, the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship will now conclude at Rally Italia Sardegna, taking place from 1–4 October.
The Sardinian event will become the 13th and final round of the 2026 WRC season, bringing the championship to a close on the demanding gravel roads of the Mediterranean island.
The change adds further significance to Rally Italia Sardegna, with the FIA Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship leaders currently separated by just 17 points. Sardinia's challenging gravel stages will consequently provide the backdrop for the final battle for the 2026 world titles.
The calendar amendment is still subject to formal approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Photo Credits: Toyota
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