World Rally Championship Finale Relocated to Italy Due to Middle East Instability

The final round of the 2026 World Rally Championship has been relocated from Saudi Arabia to Italy as a result of ongoing unrest and uncertainty in the Middle East, shortening the season to 13 rounds.

Rally Saudi Arabia was originally planned to conclude the championship in Jeddah from November 11-14, but the FIA has announced that the WRC will instead finish with Rally Italia in Sardinia from October 1-4. The Saudi event will still proceed on its original dates as part of the Middle East Rally Championship.

The FIA cited ongoing regional uncertainty and its impact on logistics for the relocation, though noting that Saudi Arabia remained prepared to host the rally safely. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem stated that organizers had thoroughly explored all alternatives to keep the event on the WRC calendar.

Organizers and stakeholders remain committed to bringing the FIA World Rally Championship back to Saudi Arabia in 2027. Meanwhile, the schedule change impacts the title race currently led by Great Britain's Elfyn Evans, who holds a 17-point lead over Finland's Sami Pajari heading into the final showdown in Sardinia.