WRC Finale in Doubt: Latvala Says Safety Must Come First

The fate of the 2026 World Rally Championship season finale, Rally Saudi Arabia, is under renewed threat amid the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota team principal, has made it clear that the safety of all crew members and participants must be the top priority before deciding whether to proceed with the event scheduled for November 11-14.

The FIA plans to make a final decision on whether the event will go ahead by mid-September. Emilia Abel, FIA Road Sport Director, stated that the situation is being continuously monitored together with the WRC Promoter and the manufacturers. "We are working closely with the promoter to find the best possible solution. The situation can change very quickly, so even if the decision is positive one day, a week later the circumstances could be completely different," she said during Rally Finland.

Abel added that the mid-September deadline is critical because the logistics for the event also have to be taken into account. Delaying the decision would complicate operational preparations, including shipping equipment and team accommodations. This is a significant consideration given the complex logistics of the WRC.

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Latvala, a former Toyota factory driver, highlighted the importance of the safety aspect. "At the moment we are waiting for more information regarding Saudi Arabia. Looking at the current situation, it certainly doesn't appear to be the right time to go there because safety is the most important consideration for everyone," he asserted. His remarks reflect widespread concerns in the paddock, especially after regional conflicts have impacted international racing calendars.

Saudi Arabia has an unusually long-term agreement with the WRC, meaning there is naturally a strong desire to hold the event. However, Latvala cautioned against forcing the issue. "I know there are many parties who want the rally to take place. But we need to be patient and see how the situation develops. There are still several events to come before then," he said, referring to the remaining rounds on the WRC calendar.

This uncertainty is not without precedent. Security concerns in the Middle East have already forced the FIA WEC to move its Qatar and Bahrain rounds to Barcelona and Monza. Meanwhile, Formula 1 continues to monitor the situation for its season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and had already cancelled its Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier in the year. If Rally Saudi Arabia is called off, the WRC would lose one of its ambitious new destinations, but safety remains non-negotiable.

Reported by RallyJournal, a final decision is expected by mid-September. Until then, all parties are urged to remain calm and focus on the remaining rounds, including Rally Chile and Central European Rally, which will be decisive for the title fight.