The FIA has definitively removed the rally in Saudi Arabia from the calendar. According to the federation, the race in the Middle East cannot take place due to recent security developments. However, the FIA has arranged a replacement event: the Rally Italia Sardegna in Sardinia.
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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is disappointed about the cancellation of the race. “Although the WRC event will not take place, our confidence in the organizer remains unchanged. Our focus is now on the future. We continue to work with our partners in Saudi Arabia to bring the World Rally Championship back to the country.”
It is also uncertain whether the Formula 1 season can end in the Middle East. Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the schedule, but uncertainty about both races is growing weekly within the paddock. Ben Sulayem said nothing about the two races in his statement.
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A possible alternative for the final race in Abu Dhabi is Imola. The track in Italy has long been mentioned as a candidate for the season finale and is open to hosting a race.
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Read everything about the Azerbaijan GP here
