Automotive
World Rally Championship drops Saudi finale to finish season in Italy
Jalopnik reports that regional developments prompted organizers to move the championship conclusion to Sardinia.
The short version
- The FIA World Rally Championship canceled its November season finale in Saudi Arabia, citing ongoing regional developments.[Jalopnik]
- The season will instead conclude in early October at Rally Italia Sardegna, which was originally the penultimate round.[Jalopnik]
- Toyota and Hyundai factory teams previously informed the FIA they could not travel to Saudi Arabia due to corporate travel restrictions.[Jalopnik]
- Rally Saudi Arabia will still proceed locally under the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, while Formula 1 also weighs potential regional schedule changes.[Jalopnik]
Key facts
- The FIA World Rally Championship confirmed its season finale scheduled for November will no longer take place in Saudi Arabia.[Jalopnik]
- The championship schedule now concludes with Rally Italia Sardegna in early October.[Jalopnik]
- Toyota and Hyundai factory teams sent a joint letter notifying the FIA that corporate travel restrictions prevented them from competing in Saudi Arabia.[Jalopnik]
- Rally Saudi Arabia remains scheduled solely as an event within the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.[Jalopnik]
- The FIA World Endurance Championship relocated its final two races from Bahrain and Qatar to Barcelona and Monza.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Formula 1 will cancel or relocate its final races in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates remains unconfirmed, with decisions possibly delayed until October.[Jalopnik]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.