World rally organizers dropped Saudi Arabia’s 2026 finale in September
Their revised calendar designated Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for 1–4 October, as the 13th and final round, subject to FIA council approval.
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The FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, and championship promoter WRC Promoter announced on 17 September 2026 that Rally Saudi Arabia would not form part of the World Rally Championship (WRC). They attributed the decision to ongoing regional uncertainty and its effect on logistical arrangements.
The Jeddah-based rally had been scheduled to host the season finale on 12–15 November. The decision removed its WRC component, rather than canceling the entire rally.
The September announcement instead designated Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for 1–4 October, as the 13th and final round. It made the calendar change subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Security concerns and Saudi preparations
The FIA and WRC Promoter’s 17 September 2026 announcement preceded the October attacks described in BBC Sport’s 30 October report, which also listed the WRC finale as canceled. The report said a missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport earlier in October killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.
Saudi Press Agency said Saudi Civil Defence intercepted 2 ballistic missiles over Riyadh on Thursday. Falling shrapnel caused a minor civilian injury and damaged a house and vehicle.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised against all but essential travel throughout Saudi Arabia. Restricted airport access had also complicated travel for people attending a boxing event in Riyadh.
The FIA and WRC Promoter said they had spent months working with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, local organizers and championship stakeholders to try to hold the WRC event. The Saudi federation’s chairman, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, said preparations were advanced and the country remained ready to host safely.
Regional rally remains planned
The FIA announced that Rally Saudi Arabia would proceed on 11–14 November as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. It said it would continue working with the Saudi federation and organizers to support the event.
The FIA and WRC Promoter said they would work with Saudi partners toward the rally’s return to the world championship in 2027.
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