Saudi inclusion in MERC marks major milestone towards WRC debut

The round will take place from 1st to 3rd May and will use a number of the roads which will appear later in the year when Saudi Arabia hosts the final round of the 2025 WRC season. The FIA revealed the 2025 MERC calendar following the latest e-vote of the World Motor Sport Council.

HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), commented: “Our role as host of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship candidate event reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to rally racing and reinforces our broader vision positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a home of global motorsport.

“This event paves the way for an incredible season finale with the arrival of the World Rally Championship in Jeddah for the first time ever in November - a historic event that promises to deliver another unparalleled experience in Saudi Arabia for fans and competitors alike.

“Through our partnership with the WRC, we are building a legacy that will not only raise the profile of Saudi motorsport but also contribute to the global rally community for years to come.”

WRC Promoter’s Senior Events Director Simon Larkin echoed the words of HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal. “This is certainly a significant step for rallying in Saudi Arabia,” stressed Larkin. “We have been making regular visits to the Kingdom and we are satisfied with their readiness for December and this will be one further key step in demonstrating that.”