Rally Saudi Doubts Linger, Yet Organisers Release Route

Uncertainty continues to cloud the future of Rally Saudi Arabia in the World Rally Championship. Despite the worsening security situation in the Middle East, organisers have released the official route for this year's season finale. The move comes after a planned presentation during Rally Finland was cancelled, a strong hint that the event's future is genuinely uncertain.

Saudi Arabia joined the WRC amid widespread controversy after signing a ten-year agreement with the WRC Promoter two years ago. The country's first-ever WRC event was held last autumn as the season closer. Now, the demanding gravel rally is again scheduled to conclude the championship, but doubts persist.

Route Published Amid Ongoing Doubts

The published route features a total of 320 competitive kilometres over three days. The format remains unusual, finishing on Saturday as the Saudi working week begins on Sunday. Only minor changes have been made to the stages compared with last year. The only new stage by name is Bryman, which features in Friday's itinerary. The stage, just over 13 kilometres long, will be run twice and replaces last year's Alghullah stage.

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The event is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, 11 November, with shakedown in the morning. Thursday's itinerary includes six special stages covering 105 competitive kilometres. Friday's seven stages account for almost half of the rally distance, with 147 competitive kilometres in total, concluding with a spectator stage on a parking area adjacent to the service park.

Saturday's final leg offers a demanding challenge, beginning with the rally's longest stage, the 35-kilometre Asfan. Crews will then tackle the Thabhan stage twice, with the second pass serving as the Power Stage. However, all plans could change if the security situation deteriorates further.

During Rally Finland, the FIA confirmed that decisions regarding the championship finale are expected around mid-September. The governing body appears to be monitoring the regional situation before giving the green light. Meanwhile, speculation about potential alternative venues has begun to surface, though no official statements have been made.

For fans, this uncertainty is worrying, as the season finale is always a crucial moment in the title fight. Until clarity emerges, everyone can only wait for official decisions from the organisers and the FIA.