The decision to cancel the final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) 2026 in Saudi Arabia was not an easy one. Eric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, revealed that there was not enough time to find a replacement, especially after the option of Rally Spain in Salou emerged too late.
Saudi Arabia was set to host the season finale on November 12-15. However, ongoing uncertainty in the region forced all stakeholders, including the FIA, to change plans for the safety of everyone involved. Nevertheless, the event will still run as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Boullier explained that the option to replace the final round with a gravel-based Rally Spain in Salou was considered. But he stressed that the remaining time was too tight to meet WRC standards and protocols. "It's very late. The problem is it's WRC, and we have processes and protocols to be in place. The longer it takes, the less obvious it was to make it in the proper conditions of WRC and in the proper condition of safety and everything," he told DirtFish.
This decision certainly affects the championship battle. With one round gone, the maximum points available to drivers are reduced. Boullier acknowledged this, "I know people are saying there is no replacement, and will it change the championship? Yes and no. But this is what it is, same for everybody. And we had to take a decision."
Meanwhile, manufacturer teams are divided. Toyota and Hyundai made it clear that their personnel could not travel to Saudi Arabia. However, M-Sport Ford had a different view. Team principal Richard Millener said that they were actually ready to attend. "I think it was a very difficult decision and there are many different layers to it. I quoted the other week that we were OK to attend and I would still stand by that," Millener said.
Millener also highlighted that the UK Foreign Office website still stated it was safe at that moment. But different companies and the FIA have different policies, and ultimately a decision had to be made because freight logistics were time-critical. "We respect that decision and come to terms with it," he added.
Despite losing a round, Boullier emphasized that the focus now shifts to next season. "We still have one round to go and then let's focus on next year and bringing back all the rallies we have signed for and we expect to have," he concluded.
Thus, WRC 2026 must bid farewell to the Saudi Arabian round, at least for this year. However, hopes of returning to the region remain wide open in the future.
Read Also
Teemu Suninen to test Project Rally One's gravel car as the new WRC team eyes Monte Carlo 2027. Full analysis and implications.
Jari-Matti Latvala says the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian WRC round and Sardinia as finale was the right call for safety. As a result, Pajari and Solberg's chances to catch Evans diminish.
Project Rally One announces eight drivers for its testing program ahead of WRC Monte Carlo debut. Get the full lineup and development strategy.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!