The FIA's decision to cancel Rally Saudi Arabia from the 2026 WRC calendar has dealt a severe blow to Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg, who are locked in a tight battle with Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans for the world title. Now, with one rally gone, Evans' chances of claiming his first career championship have increased significantly.
Rally Saudi Arabia, originally scheduled for November, was forced to be cancelled due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. Both Toyota and Hyundai had already announced that their parent companies prohibited travel to the region. The FIA decided there would be no replacement, meaning the WRC season will end in Sardinia in early October. Rally Sardinia will be the season finale on 1-4 October.
The impact on the drivers' championship is immediate. Evans now leads Pajari by 17 points and Solberg by 21. With one event removed, Evans' path to the title is clearer. Pajari and Solberg must dig deep in Sardinia to deny Evans.
The decision came after lengthy deliberation. The WRC Promoter and FIA delayed the announcement until the last moment, aware of the significant financial stake that Rally Saudi Arabia represents. However, the state of war forced a firm decision. "This has been a difficult decision, particularly given the significant work and commitment from our partners in Saudi Arabia to prepare for this year's event. However, the ongoing regional developments and the resulting logistical challenges mean that we need to provide certainty and clarity for the remainder of the 2026 season," said WRC Promoter chief Eric Boullier.
FIA President Mohammed bin-Sulayem added, "We have worked closely with our partners in Saudi Arabia, our Member Club the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, WRC Promoter and our championship stakeholders in recent months to explore every possible route that would allow Rally Saudi Arabia to take place as planned. However, ongoing regional developments mean that the WRC element of Rally Saudi Arabia will not proceed this year. These are never easy decisions, particularly after the significant work undertaken by everyone involved in preparing for the event."
For Pajari and Solberg, this is both a moral and strategic blow. They lose a chance to score maximum points and pressure Evans. Conversely, Evans now just needs to maintain consistency in Sardinia. With its rough gravel stages, Sardinia will be the ultimate test to determine who deserves the 2026 WRC crown.
This season has delivered fierce competition, and this decision adds to the drama. Can Evans hold on, or will Pajari and Solberg rise in Sardinia? All will be answered in the coming weeks.
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Rally Saudi Arabia has been cancelled from the 2026 WRC calendar and will not be replaced. Rally Italia Sardegna will now be the season finale, with hopes to return to Saudi Arabia in 2027.
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