The World Rally (WRC) canceled the Saudi Arabian Rally, which should be the final round of the season. It will not be replaced, thus contradicting the rumors about a possible second race in Portugal.
© Luca Barsali/NurPhoto via Getty Images
17/09/2026
by
A war in the Middle East forced to cancel the Saudi Arabian Rally for the World Rally (WRC) – in which should be the last round, from 12 to 15 november. There will be no substitute rally.
The war that has affected the Middle East since the end of February forced him to cancel the championship at the event – as already happened with the local Formula 1 race.
In the statement issued this Thursday (17 September), read: “The FIA and the WRC Promoter have worked extensively in recent months with the Saudi Arabian Motorcycling Federation, the local organization team and the championship shareholders to explore all possible alternatives to allow the WRC event to take place as planned. Despite all these efforts, the current uncertainty in the region and its effect on logistics schemes, require that the WRC in the Saudi Arabia Rally not take place“.
That is, the Saudi Arabian Rally stands, but it will count only for the Middle East Rally Championship. Your space in WRC will not be filled: it was speculated that there could be a return to Portugalbut the championship will be one less round and will reach the end of October 1-4 with the Sardinian Rally.
Elfyn Evans near the title
In this way, only one round is missing for the end of the season. Elfyn Evans (Toyota) leads with more 17 points than Sami Pajari (Toyota), while Oliver Solberg (Toyota) is third to 21 points. These three can mathematically reach the title, with a maximum of 35 points in dispute. Among the builders, Toyota is already a champion.