The FIA World Rally Championship’s season finale in Saudi Arabia is facing its biggest threat yet.
Toyota and Hyundai have co-signed a letter to the FIA confirming they are currently unable to travel to Saudi Arabia for the WRC season finale due to corporate travel restrictions.
With key logistics deadlines looming, business travel bans linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East now risk derailing the championship decider.
Toyota: Corporate Policy Blocks Travel
Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed that every team member must comply with Toyota Motor Corporation regulations — and the company’s present policy does not permit travel to the Middle East.
The restriction is reviewed weekly, but if it remains unchanged, the championship-leading team will be forced to miss Rally Saudi Arabia.
Hyundai: Situation Monitored Daily
Hyundai Motorsport has also confirmed that restrictions are in place for business travel to the region. The team says its situation is being monitored daily and continues to evolve.
M-Sport In Different Position
M-Sport Ford finds itself in a different position. The British squad follows UK Foreign Office guidance, which currently advises against travel only within 10 kilometres of Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen.
However, the team stressed that safety remains its absolute priority and it will respect any final decision taken by the FIA and WRC Promoter.
What Next?
Rally Saudi Arabia remains scheduled to close the 2026 WRC season in November, but the issue now goes beyond whether the event itself can operate safely.
The championship’s two manufacturer giants must also be allowed to travel.
No cancellation has been announced and the corporate restrictions could still change in the coming weeks — but pressure on the FIA and WRC Promoter has just increased dramatically.
