WRC season finale in Saudi Arabia cancelled amid Middle East conflict

The conclusion of the World Rally Championship (WRC) season in Saudi Arabia has been called off due to the conflict in the Middle East, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed on Thursday. The ongoing instability in the region has also put the future of Formula One races in Saudi Arabia and the scheduled rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in jeopardy.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the WRC portion of Rally Saudi Arabia would not take place this year. However, the Middle East Regional Rally Championship will proceed as planned in November. The FIA's attention is now focused on the future, with plans to resume the WRC in 2027. The 14th and final round of the championship was set to take place in the Saudi desert from November 12-15.

Despite the cancellation, Toyota has already secured the manufacturers' title, awarded to them last Sunday in Chile. The drivers' championship remains uncertain, but Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, driving for Toyota, is close to his first title, leading by 17 points over his teammate Sami Pajari. Swedish driver Oliver Solberg is currently third in the standings with 209 points.