The World Rally Championship makes history this November with its first-ever event in the Kingdom. Based around Jeddah and the stunning Red Sea coastline, this season-ending rally promises four days of intense competition across virgin desert terrain that could crown a new world champion.
Running from November 26-29, this groundbreaking rally represents far more than a new calendar addition. It’s a carefully designed showcase that combines the region’s dramatic landscapes with championship-deciding motorsport drama.
A Historic First for Middle Eastern Rallying
While the Kingdom has hosted Formula 1, the Dakar Rally, and Formula E, this marks the debut of a world championship gravel rally around Jeddah. The operational center sits at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, integrating the service park, regroup zones, and podium celebrations into the waterfront complex.
The competitive route extends north and inland, presenting crews with extraordinary challenges:
High-speed desert tracks test power and bravery as engines reach their limits for extended periods. The open nature of these sections rewards aggressive driving but punishes the slightest navigation error.
Abrasive gravel surfaces demand exceptional tyre management. The rough terrain wears rubber quickly, forcing teams into complex strategic decisions about compound choices and preservation techniques.
Volcanic rock sections and soft sand pockets create constant variation. Experienced drivers must remain alert as conditions change dramatically, sometimes within a single stage.
Without historical data or previous events to reference, engineering teams approach this round as a complete unknown. This uncertainty makes the finale exceptionally compelling for both competitors and spectators.
Competition Structure and Critical Stages
The rally comprises 17 special stages covering approximately 319 competitive kilometers, embedded within a total route exceeding 1,200 km when transit sections are included.
Opening Day: Shakedown and Urban Spectacle
Competition begins with shakedown at Thabhan, offering teams a brief opportunity for final setup adjustments on representative gravel. The action then shifts back to Jeddah for the Jameel Motorsport Super Special—a floodlit stage running Wednesday evening that delivers spectacular urban entertainment.
Thursday: Desert Immersion
The first full competition day features three distinct tests, each run twice:
Al Faisaliyah showcases flowing desert roads with medium and high-speed sections that reward commitment and precision.
Moon Stage extends the challenge with a longer test combining rapid straights and more technical passages requiring different driving approaches.
Khulays delivers a shorter but trickier examination, with rhythm changes and surface variations testing adaptability.
After completing the afternoon loop, crews return to Jeddah for a second evening pass through the Jameel Motorsport Super Special under lights and before packed grandstands.
Friday: Maximum Punishment
The second full day pushes deeper into hostile territory. Stages like Alghullah, Um Al Jerem, and Wadi Almatwi combine blistering pace with broken, rocky ground that severely tests both machinery and tyres.
Notably, driver feedback influenced route planning—Wadi Almatwi was shortened by approximately 3 km after crews raised legitimate safety concerns about the original configuration. This responsiveness demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to balancing challenge with appropriate risk management.
Tyre wear and puncture risk reach their peak on Friday. Strategic decisions made here often determine championship outcomes.
Sunday Power Stage: Final Reckoning at Thabhan
The concluding day returns to Thabhan in extended form, complemented by the Asfan stage near the Red Sea. The rally culminates with Thabhan 2 as the Power Stage, where the top five finishers claim additional championship points—a crucial element in an incredibly tight season battle.
Championship Battle: Three Drivers, One Title
The drivers’ championship enters the finale as one of the closest contests in recent memory, with Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier, and Kalle Rovanperä all mathematically viable for the crown.
Evans vs Ogier: Toyota Teammates in Title Fight
The Toyota pairing sits separated by minimal points following a season of momentum shifts. Ogier secured decisive victories in Chile and Japan, demonstrating his legendary ability to perform under pressure. Evans has countered with consistent podium finishes and reliability throughout the campaign.
Rovanperä’s Outside Chance
The reigning champion needs both a dominant personal performance and misfortune for his teammates. However, his shakedown pace signals he’s approaching this finale with genuine winning intent rather than a supporting role mindset.
Hyundai’s Disruption Strategy
Ott Tänak claimed first blood by winning the opening superspecial, positioning his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 atop the early leaderboard. This statement victory confirms Hyundai’s intention to actively disrupt Toyota’s title celebrations rather than play a passive role.
With Power Stage bonus points available and zero historical reference data, even minor errors could dramatically reshape the championship standings.
Five Factors Creating Unprecedented Unpredictability
Complete Absence of Historical Data
Teams start from absolute zero. Pace notes, chassis setups, and tyre selections depend entirely on limited pre-event reconnaissance and brief shakedown runs. This levels the competitive field in unexpected ways—experience counts for less when nobody has prior knowledge.
Brutal Surface Characteristics
Drivers have consistently warned about the punishing combination of sharp stones, deep ruts, and loose sand. Punctures and suspension damage represent genuine threats, particularly on second passes when the surface deteriorates significantly.
Extreme Tyre Management Requirements
Hankook’s gravel compounds face some of the year’s harshest conditions. High ambient temperatures combined with long, abrasive stages demand careful preservation across each loop. Aggressive driving early in a stage can leave crews vulnerable to catastrophic wear later.
Championship Pressure Amplification
This isn’t merely a new event—it’s the final round with both drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships unresolved. Mistakes become more likely when every split-second carries title-deciding weight. The psychological pressure on crews is immense.
Variable Desert Conditions
Temperature swings between morning and afternoon loops alter grip levels and car behavior. Wind patterns can shift sand across stages between passes. Weather, while typically stable, remains a wildcard that could influence strategic decisions.
How to Follow the Action Live
Digital Streaming Options
Rally.TV and the official World Rally Championship streaming platform provide comprehensive live coverage of each stage, featuring multiple onboard cameras and real-time expert analysis. This remains the gold standard for international viewers seeking complete immersion.
Live Timing and Results
The official event hub publishes sector splits, stage times, and overall classifications in real-time. These detailed statistics allow followers to track performance trends and strategic decisions as they unfold.
Social Media Coverage
The championship’s official channels, along with team and driver accounts, share rapid highlights, post-stage interviews, and behind-the-scenes content throughout competition days. This provides valuable context and human stories beyond raw times.
Regional Broadcasting
Spanish and French-speaking audiences can access specialized coverage through outlets like Autohebdo, which provide regional television schedules, native commentary, and detailed tactical analysis of each leg.
Spectator Information
Those traveling to Jeddah can find ticketing options, access procedures, and spectator zone details through the event’s official website. Prime viewing locations center on the Corniche complex and designated desert observation points.
Strategic Importance for the Kingdom
This inaugural round represents a significant milestone in the nation’s motorsport development trajectory rather than a one-off event.
Landscape Showcase
The rally highlights the Kingdom’s diverse geography—from dramatic coastal scenery to rugged desert plateaus and ancient volcanic formations. This visual storytelling reaches global audiences and demonstrates the region’s natural variety.
Motorsport Hub Development
Building on established events like Formula 1 in Jeddah and the Dakar Rally, this addition reinforces the Kingdom’s positioning as a comprehensive motorsport destination capable of hosting world-class competitions across multiple disciplines.
Grassroots Inspiration
The presence of a full World Rally Championship round elevates national championships and grassroots rallying programs. Young drivers and fans gain inspiration from witnessing international competition firsthand, potentially fueling the next generation of talent.
Long-Term Commitment
The Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company view this as the foundation of an extended partnership with the championship. A multi-year agreement already secures the event’s future, allowing continuous refinement and growth.
Essential Event Statistics
Location: Jeddah, Mecca Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Competition Dates: November 26-29, 2025
Championship Round: 14th and final round of the season
Surface Type: Gravel and mixed desert terrain
Total Stages: 17 special stages
Competitive Distance: Approximately 319 kilometers timed
Total Route Distance: Over 1,200 kilometers including liaison sections
Why This Finale Defines Modern Rallying
As the season reaches its final kilometers, the desert environment serves as the ultimate wildcard. A virgin route, unpredictable surfaces, and a three-way championship battle create conditions where conservative approaches guarantee nothing.
For established fans, this week offers a rare opportunity to witness the sport evolving into fresh territory with genuinely unique challenges. The absence of historical reference points creates a purity of competition rarely seen in modern professional motorsport.
For newcomers discovering rallying through this event, it provides the perfect introduction to what makes the World Rally Championship compelling: raw speed, calculated risk, strategic depth, and constant battle against both opponents and environment.
Regardless of which driver ultimately claims the title, the first desert rally in the Kingdom is already establishing its place in championship history. The combination of world-class competition, stunning landscapes, and genuine unpredictability creates a finale that honors both the sport’s heritage and its innovative future.
The stages are set, the championship hangs in the balance, and the desert awaits. This is WRC Saudi Arabia 2025—where legends will be made and history will be written in the sand.