The 2026 World Rally Championship season will officially be decided on Sardinia’s roads. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and WRC Promoter have announced the cancellation of the Saudi Arabia Rally round of the World Championship, originally scheduled for 12–15 November. Following this calendar change, Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for 1–4 October and based in Alghero, will become the thirteenth and final round of the 2026 FIA WRC.
The decision came after months of joint analysis and discussions between the FIA, the championship promoter and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Despite efforts to ensure the event could go ahead, continuing uncertainty in the Middle East and serious logistical challenges made it impossible to hold the round as part of the World Championship. The Saudi event will remain scheduled for the same autumn dates, but will count exclusively toward the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Alghero at the heart of the World Championship finale
The earlier conclusion of the world championship calendar gives Sardinia and the city of Alghero a central role. The event is organised by the Automobile Club d’Italia with the support of the Region of Sardinia and the Catalan municipal administration. In recent months, preparations have included route planning and the selection of personnel required for safety and logistics in the competition areas.
The 23rd edition will offer a demanding 307-kilometre timed test, divided into 17 special stages on gravel. The event’s three legs will take drivers through the Nurra, Anglona and Monte Acuto areas, while the headquarters and service park will remain set up on Alghero’s seafront.
The battle for the 2026 drivers’ title
With the cancellation of the final overseas round, the points on offer on the island will be decisive in awarding the world drivers’ title. Elfyn Evans currently leads the standings by 17 points over Sami Pajari and 21 points over Oliver Solberg. The narrow gaps will make every kilometre on the island’s gravel roads decisive in crowning the new world champions.