[WRC] Rally Saudi Arabia 2025

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Originally Posted by Doon

Does anyone else feel a bit underwhelmed about the WRCs final round being in Saudi Arabia? I always feel that an established, historic, well supported (by fans, not money) event should at least open and close the WRC.

This year more than ever, the WRC really has kicked itself in the balls. Let’s not kid ourselves that the majority of WRC fans are European based, as are all of the teams. Just imagine a showdown in Wales, with a Welshman with a chance of winning. Honestly, I can’t see how elfyn can match Ogier in SA, but in wales he would have a great chance. I hope I’m wrong.

However, the only real loser here is the WRC as whole. The championship is dying. 2/3 manufacturer teams. Two work champions leaving at the end of the season, one who hasn’t even reached his peak. But worst of all, a part-time multiple world champion is probably going to win…..again.

I really, really hope Evans can put up a fight, he’s an amazing driver and deserves a championship. It would be so much better if going into the final stage, say Clogaenog, with a chance of victory, then crossing the line exactly where McRae did in 95, winning the championship for wales for the first time ever in front of thousands of boo or hat rally fans. What a story that would be. Instead, someone will win in a stage nobody has ever heard of, infront of a few wealth blokes. Sad :(

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+10

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Doon

Does anyone else feel a bit underwhelmed about the WRCs final round being in Saudi Arabia? I always feel that an established, historic, well supported (by fans, not money) event should at least open and close the WRC.

This year more than ever, the WRC really has kicked itself in the balls. Let’s not kid ourselves that the majority of WRC fans are European based, as are all of the teams. Just imagine a showdown in Wales, with a Welshman with a chance of winning. Honestly, I can’t see how elfyn can match Ogier in SA, but in wales he would have a great chance. I hope I’m wrong.

However, the only real loser here is the WRC as whole. The championship is dying. 2/3 manufacturer teams. Two work champions leaving at the end of the season, one who hasn’t even reached his peak. But worst of all, a part-time multiple world champion is probably going to win…..again.

I really, really hope Evans can put up a fight, he’s an amazing driver and deserves a championship. It would be so much better if going into the final stage, say Clogaenog, with a chance of victory, then crossing the line exactly where McRae did in 95, winning the championship for wales for the first time ever in front of thousands of boo or hat rally fans. What a story that would be. Instead, someone will win in a stage nobody has ever heard of, infront of a few wealth blokes. Sad :(

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The WRC has very regularly finished on gravel and outside of Europe. For many, many years it was on the 'ball-bearing' gravel in Australia and you know what?

Everyone just got on with it and acepted it. And Christ, there was less bitching and moaning.

All the drivers have known Saudi would be the last event in the Championship and entered the series knowing that. Seb just needed to do more events, and the others should have done better throughout the season.

You want to just have 14 tarmac events to get rid of the unknown?!

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Originally Posted by rallyfiend

The WRC has very regularly finished on gravel and outside of Europe. For many, many years it was on the 'ball-bearing' gravel in Australia and you know what?

Everyone just got on with it and acepted it. And Christ, there was less bitching and moaning.

All the drivers have known Saudi would be the last event in the Championship and entered the series knowing that. Seb just needed to do more events, and the others should have done better throughout the season.

You want to just have 14 tarmac events to get rid of the unknown?!

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I think you missed the essence of what Doon tried to say.

This year we all know what it´s gonna be. But I agree fully that a rally with heritage should end up the season. For that the Rally Wales or RAC Rally on British soil would be the perfect end .

The signal to FIA is to rely on the history of rallying.

What about that, next year it will be way worse for title contenders since there is 7 rounds straight with gravel surface

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Originally Posted by rallyfiend

The WRC has very regularly finished on gravel and outside of Europe. For many, many years it was on the 'ball-bearing' gravel in Australia and you know what?

Everyone just got on with it and acepted it. And Christ, there was less bitching and moaning.

All the drivers have known Saudi would be the last event in the Championship and entered the series knowing that. Seb just needed to do more events, and the others should have done better throughout the season.

You want to just have 14 tarmac events to get rid of the unknown?!

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Gravel events are my favourite, if anything I’d get rid of some tarmac events. However, that wasn’t the issue I was highlighting. Does anyone remember Rally Jordan? Does anyone remember seeing many spectators? Visually it was absolutely dull, and was only saved by the Ogier / Latvala battle.

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Originally Posted by Rallyper

I think you missed the essence of what Doon tried to say.

This year we all know what it´s gonna be. But I agree fully that a rally with heritage should end up the season. For that the Rally Wales or RAC Rally on British soil would be the perfect end .

The signal to FIA is to rely on the history of rallying.

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Of course a Rally GB finale would be great, but it's not like Saudi Arabia has replaced it... UK funding hasn't been there for 6 years now.

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Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

Of course a Rally GB finale would be great, but it's not like Saudi Arabia has replaced it... UK funding hasn't been there for 6 years now.

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That´s true. And also sad. Been to Wales as spectator three times and it was rainy, cloudy, foggy, dark and absolutely wonderful!