Rally Saudi Arabia to Feature Mountain, Volcano, and Desert Stages in 2025, Marking a Major Milestone in the Kingdom’s Motorsport Ambitions
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is set to return to the Middle East for the first time since 2011, with Saudi Arabia confirmed as a new host. The announcement, made during this weekend’s Rally Sardinia, marks the beginning of a 10-year partnership between the WRC and Saudi Arabia. This deal was unveiled in the presence of HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company.
Rally Saudi Arabia will debut as the final round of the 2025 WRC season, anticipated to feature 14 events. The event will be held in November around Jeddah, showcasing stages with a mix of mountain and desert roads. A test event is planned for early next year as part of the Middle East Rally Championship.
“We are thrilled to host the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time in 2025. The arrival of another racing series of global stature in Saudi Arabia confirms the extent of our transformation into a major hub for motorsport in the region,” said HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia will host several prestigious motorsport events, including Formula 1, Formula E, Extreme E, the Dakar Rally, and now WRC, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance the lives of all Saudis.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also commented on the milestone, noting the unique challenges drivers will face in Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrain.
Why WRC is Heading to Saudi Arabia
The WRC’s move to Saudi Arabia aligns with its strategy to expand its global presence and diversify its events. Following the successful introduction of Formula E in Diriyah (2018), the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (2021), and the Dakar Rally (since 2020), the WRC sees the Middle East as a vital region for its growth.
Saudi Arabia’s growing automotive market is attractive to manufacturers and stakeholders, and the country’s unique roads will add a new dimension to the WRC. Simon Larkin, WRC’s event director, explained that Rally Saudi Arabia will offer a “rally of three stories” with stages in mountains, a volcano region, and the desert, each providing a distinct challenge and narrative.
The WRC aims to reconnect with the Middle Eastern rallying heritage and boost participation in the Middle East Rally Championship. Larkin emphasized that rallying is deeply ingrained in the culture of Saudi motorsport fans, unlike Formula 1. He hopes Rally Saudi Arabia will reignite local interest and increase the number of competitors from the region.
Addressing Human Rights Concerns
The decision to host the WRC in Saudi Arabia follows similar controversies faced by Formula 1 regarding human rights issues. Larkin addressed these concerns by highlighting progressive changes in the country, such as the women-only rally and the lifted ban on women driving. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the country’s advancements and the positive impact of sports in fostering further progress.
Including Rally Saudi Arabia in the WRC calendar represents a significant step for both the championship and the region, promising exciting new challenges for drivers and a strengthened connection with Middle Eastern rally enthusiasts.
Source: Google
