Rally Saudi in Doubt, Spain Emerges as Candidate for WRC Finale

Imagine you've planned everything — logistics, crew, even tire strategy for gravel — and suddenly the WRC 2025 finale in Saudi Arabia is at risk. The deteriorating security situation in the Middle East has cast doubt over the event, with the FIA expected to decide in September whether it can go ahead.

The regional tension has already taken its toll: the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in F1 was cancelled earlier this year after direct military strikes involving the United States and Iran. Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has also been targeted. The World Endurance Championship has even moved its Qatar and Bahrain rounds to Europe.

A critical voice came from Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who told RallyJournal that based on the current situation, Rally Saudi Arabia should not be held. If it is indeed cancelled, the big question is whether a replacement will be found, or if the season will end early at Rally Sardinia in early October after 13 rounds.

Baca JugaNeuville Takjub pada Mobil Toyota: Seolah Tak Terjadi Apa-Apa

FIA Response and Spanish Option

When asked at Rally Finland last week, FIA officials could not give a definitive answer. FIA Road Sport Director Emilia Abel said the federation is working closely with the promoter and Saudi organisers to find "the best way forward." However, she admitted the situation can change quickly. "Even if we take a positive decision one day, it can still happen that the week after the situation has changed," she said.

Abel also stressed the importance of certainty for manufacturer teams, especially given the WEC precedent. The FIA declined to comment on contingency plans, but Spanish media Diario AS reports that two rallies in Spain could potentially serve as the WRC season finale: the iconic Rally Catalunya (23–24 October) and Rallye Ciudad de Granada (a week later). Catalunya is on asphalt, while Granada is on gravel — similar to the planned Saudi event. This is crucial for WRC2 competitors who have chosen events based on surface.

Abel added, "For the moment we are still hard working that it will happen to stick to the actual championship. Obviously it's not as simple as that, and we all know how long the lead time is to prepare a WRC event." The last time the WRC finale had to be changed mid-season was in 2020–2021 due to the pandemic, when Rally Monza hosted the title decider.