New FIA series announces calendar change due to Middle East conflict

In an exclusive article, GPblog has previously reported that instead of the F1 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, F1 teams have already been told that the season finale will take place at the Imola circuit, but it may take weeks before the official announcement.

The competition hopes that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be the ones to pull the plug, or that a financial compromise can be reached. This website understands that Abu Dhabi, in particular, is currently holding firm.

Now, another series has announced that it will not host its season finale in the region. The World Rally Championship's season will conclude in Sardinia, and will consist of only 13 rounds. The rally in Saudi Arabian itself will still take place as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

The changes to the WEC calendar has already been announced. Instead of races in Qatar and Bahrain, the endurance series will travel to Monza and Barcelona.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "We have worked closely with our partners in Saudi Arabia, our Member Club the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, WRC Promoter and our championship stakeholders in recent months to explore every possible route that would allow Rally Saudi Arabia to take place as planned. However, ongoing regional developments mean that the WRC element of Rally Saudi Arabia will not proceed this year. These are never easy decisions, particularly after the significant work undertaken by everyone involved in preparing for the event.

Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, added: "This has been a difficult decision, particularly given the significant work and commitment from our partners in Saudi Arabia to prepare for this year’s event. However, the ongoing regional developments and the resulting logistical challenges mean that we need to provide certainty and clarity for the remainder of the 2026 season.