[WRC] Rally Saudi Arabia 2025

[Rallyper]

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

+10

[rallyfiend]

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

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?!

[Rallyper]

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?!

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.

[deephouse]

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

[Doon]

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?!

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.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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.

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.

[Rallyper]

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.

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

[denkimi]

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

Just like it was this year and in 2023 and 2024.

As ogier has shown, you easily skip a few of the first events since the better road position afterwards makes up for it.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Underwhelming and in a country where the normal type of end of season parties will be at odds with the strict culture it does all smack of brown envelopes being accepted by the outgoing promoter. And its not just for one year.

You know now after majority of rallies... all teams, mechanics, drivers, media crew leave right after the rally. Not many parties to go to... the last good one was Toyota in Mexico, but that only lasted an hour and it died down. No external guests.

After Japan last week, a couple drivers, I mean four; went to a British pub. So, gone are the days of rally parties at The Sheraton hotel in Perth after Rally Australia with a drunk McRae and others partying the night away.

[GigiGalliNo1]

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?!

Exactly. Everyone in the service park in Japan were excited for Saudi, from media, organisers and the drivers. Very much looking forward to a NEW rally. Possibly a NEW champion, yes Rovanpera can take it and leave the sport behind not a good look; Ogier could take another but this time as a part timer, also not looking good for the sport, but still, Saudi will be interesting and we're getting on with it.