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WRC cancels Rally Saudi Arabia due to regional instability
The FIA and WRC Promoter have officially cancelled the Rally Saudi Arabia round of the 2026 World Rally Championship. The decision stems from ongoing regional instability and logistical uncertainties in the Middle East, which have impacted the ability of factory teams like Toyota and Hyundai to deploy personnel and equipment to the area.
As a result, the 2026 WRC season will now conclude earlier than planned with Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for October 1–4. This change significantly impacts the championship standings; Elfyn Evans holds a 17-point lead over Sami Pajari, and the reduction in available points makes Evans the heavy favorite for the title.
While the WRC element is cancelled, the event will still proceed from November 12–15 as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). In the WRC2 category, the cancellation of the final round has mathematically secured the world championship for Robert Virves.
The cancellation of the Saudi Arabian rally has also raised concerns regarding the stability of other motorsport events in the region, including potential impacts on Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Entities
Elfyn Evans · FIA · Mohammed Ben Sulayem · Rally Italia Sardegna · Robert Virves · Sami Pajari · Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation · WRC Promoter
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rally Saudi Arabia will still be held as a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. sportal.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rally Saudi Arabia will not be part of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship calendar. www.olbia24.it · www.autosport.pt · sportal.bg
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Elfyn Evans holds a 17-point lead over Sami Pajari in the 2026 championship standings. www.autosport.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for October 1–4, will serve as the season finale for the 2026 WRC. www.olbia24.it · sportal.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] No replacement event has been scheduled to take the place of the Saudi Arabian rally. www.autosport.pt · sportal.bg
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Robert Virves has been mathematically confirmed as the WRC2 champion. www.autosport.pt