Toyota and Hyundai have informed the FIA and WRC Promoter that, under the current circumstances, they are unable to travel to Saudi Arabia for the final round of the 2026 World Rally Championship.
The two manufacturers have jointly communicated their position to the FIA, with Toyota sporting director Kaj Lindström and Hyundai sporting director Andrew Wheatley signing a letter concerning November’s Rally Saudi Arabia.
The issue is linked to company-wide travel restrictions currently affecting parts of the Middle East. Both manufacturers have confirmed that their respective corporate policies currently prevent their personnel from travelling to Saudi Arabia, meaning their participation in the season finale is now uncertain.
Hyundai explained that its business travel restrictions to the Middle East are being monitored on a daily basis and remain subject to change. Toyota, meanwhile, confirmed that its World Rally Team is bound by Toyota Motor Corporation regulations and that a current company policy does not allow its employees to travel to the region.
Toyota also stated that its headquarters reviews the situation on a weekly basis, leaving open the possibility that the policy could change before the scheduled event.
The situation creates a major problem for the WRC, with Rally Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the championship finale in November. If the restrictions remain in place, the championship could face the unprecedented prospect of Toyota and Hyundai being unable to compete in the final round.
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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