Sobha Ayanas – Rally Saudi Arabia marked its grand debut on the 2025 WRC calendar and quickly became one of the most controversial events of the season. The beauty of the Jeddah desert offered spectacular scenery, but the condition of the track raised serious questions about safety, fairness, and technical readiness for the world title decider. Many drivers felt the overly rough course made the rally more like an extreme endurance test than a championship race.
Why Many Drivers Think the Saudi Arabia Rally Is Too Extreme
Despite the unique character of the Arabian desert, most drivers felt that the surface conditions, filled with sharp rocks, unpredictable ruts, and brutal desert sections, were beyond the ideal conditions for modern Rally1 cars. Nearly all competitors experienced tire problems, some even more than once in a single day of competition. This situation reduced the skill factor and increased the element of luck bujang138, something considered inconsistent with the principles of fair competition.
From a competitive standpoint, an event as important as a title decider should prioritize measurable challenges over uncertainty. Drivers agree that adrenaline and drama are still essential in rallying, but not in the form of uncontrollable, random damage.
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Sebastien Ogier’s warning before securing his ninth title
Before winning his ninth world title, Sebastien Ogier had already expressed concern about the Saudi Arabia Rally’s position as the final round. He highlighted the level of tire damage and the disproportionate risk between challenge and safety.
Although he ultimately emerged victorious, Ogier’s comments indicated that the event had exceeded its title-deciding threshold. For a seasoned champion, victory should be determined by consistency and skill, not the chaos caused by track conditions.
Criticism from Kalle Rovanperä and Thierry Neuville
Kalle Rovanperä believes the track design is not compatible with the technical capabilities of today’s tires and cars. He asserts that the resulting damage is not a natural part of modern rallying.
Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville offered a more balanced view. He acknowledged that the event offers spectacular visuals and a strong competitive atmosphere, but he believes that positioning the rally as the final round is inappropriate. A title-deciding event should provide a fair opportunity for all competitors, including those disadvantaged by starting on a dusty track.
Event Implementation Appreciated, But Technical Improvements Needed
On the organizational side, Rally Saudi Arabia received praise for its streamlined operations and smooth logistics. Stages ran on time, and on-site support was deemed highly professional.
However, several team principals felt that some segments were overly demanding, seemingly designed to cause tire damage. This criticism was constructive, as the overall foundation of the event was strong. If the track surface were refinished and the stage profiles adjusted, this event could potentially become world-class.
FIA Response Evaluates Schedule and Level of Difficulty
Malcolm Wilson, FIA vice president, stated that his organization valued the input from drivers and teams. He believed that Rally Saudi Arabia embodied the true spirit of rallying—full of challenges and dramatic stories—but still needed to be more appropriately timed.
Moving the event to mid-season was considered the most realistic option, allowing for less pressure to determine the title and allowing teams to develop more informed strategies without taking disproportionate risks.
Evaluation for Hankook: Tough Challenges in the First Year
Hankook’s debut as a WRC tire supplier was severely tested by the extreme desert conditions. The track’s texture exposed weaknesses in the tire’s construction, which wasn’t fully prepared. Nevertheless, Hankook responded positively to the criticism and quickly developed a solution.
More broadly, extreme events like these often drive the evolution of tire technology, as was the case in the Kenyan and Turkish eras.
Why Rally Saudi Arabia Still Deserves to Be on the WRC Calendar
Despite its controversies, Rally Saudi Arabia makes a significant contribution: it brings a new dimension to the championship. The dramatic desert scenery, unique challenge, and enthusiastic crowds make this event have great potential for the future.
The key is refinement. The WRC itself has a history of extreme rallies that have become legendary after a process of refinement. If executed correctly, Saudi Arabia could become one of the most iconic and anticipated events on the WRC calendar.
Short Explanation
Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 offers a unique experience, showcasing the wild side of rallying. However, to maintain the integrity of the competition, a balance between challenge, safety, and fairness must be struck. With improvements to stage design and a more ideal schedule, this event has the potential to become one of the most exciting series in the future without sacrificing the essence of the sport.
