Middle East's World Championship Motorsport dates secured for 2026
DUBAI, UAE, June 11: The Middle East's prominence on the global motorsport stage has been underlined for another year with confirmation of the FIA's major world championship calendars for 2026.
The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place on Jeddah's street circuit on
17-19 April next year in a 24-race championship, which will see the next generation of F1 cars running on 100% sustainable fuels?
This was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, which was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the Federation's global community gathered for the FIA's annual conference.
The 2026 FI World Championship again includes three other Middle East rounds, in Bahrain
On 10-12 April, Qatar from 27-29 Nov and Abu Dhabi, the traditional final Grand Prix of the season from 4-6 December.
Saudi Arabia again stages back-to-back Jeddah races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar on 13-14 February, while the Middle East also has four rounds in the 2026 F2 Championship, coinciding with the F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
Once again, the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia commences next year's FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from 3-17 Jan, with the Rally du Maroc taking place from 28 Sept-3 October and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on 22-27 Nov.. Bahrain represents the Middle East in the ten-round F3 calendar.
FIA President Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.'
'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential; we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race across our championships shows the passion and dedication of our community.'
The World Council approved one of the final pieces of the compelling puzzle that is coming together to mark the start of a brand-new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027.
The WRC27 ruleset has been undergoing its final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of these regulations.
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Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Middle East's World Championship Motorsport dates secured for 2026
DUBAI, UAE, June 11: The Middle East's prominence on the global motorsport stage has been underlined for another year with confirmation of the FIA's major world championship calendars for 2026. The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place on Jeddah's street circuit on 17-19 April next year in a 24-race championship, which will see the next generation of F1 cars running on 100% sustainable fuels? This was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, which was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the Federation's global community gathered for the FIA's annual conference. The 2026 FI World Championship again includes three other Middle East rounds, in Bahrain On 10-12 April, Qatar from 27-29 Nov and Abu Dhabi, the traditional final Grand Prix of the season from 4-6 December. Saudi Arabia again stages back-to-back Jeddah races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar on 13-14 February, while the Middle East also has four rounds in the 2026 F2 Championship, coinciding with the F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Once again, the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia commences next year's FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from 3-17 Jan, with the Rally du Maroc taking place from 28 Sept-3 October and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on 22-27 Nov.. Bahrain represents the Middle East in the ten-round F3 calendar. FIA President Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.' 'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential; we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race across our championships shows the passion and dedication of our community.' The World Council approved one of the final pieces of the compelling puzzle that is coming together to mark the start of a brand-new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027. The WRC27 ruleset has been undergoing its final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of these regulations.
Arab Times
01-06-2025
- Arab Times
MENA clubs back Ben Sulayem for second term as FIA president
DUBAI, UAE, June 1: National motor sport and mobility authorities from across the MENA region have delivered another huge vote of confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and urged him to seek re-election as President. The 29 FIA member clubs have written to Ben Sulayem saying that his tenure 'has brought vital reforms across mobility and motorsport, marked by enhanced transparency, governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.' Backing him for a second term in office, they expressed confidence that this will 'further strengthen and modernize the organization for the benefit of all its members and stakeholders.' In a letter of support to Ben Sulayem, the clubs say: 'Your vision has helped bridge gaps, inspire unity, and empower regions like ours to contribute more meaningfully to the global FIA mission. 'We now feel equal as members of the FIA regardless of our size or location. We are proud to stand behind a leader from our region who has shown integrity, innovation, and courage in driving positive change on the world stage.' Among the senior regional officials to sign the letter were MENA FIA Vice President Mobility, Essa Hamza Al Failakawi from Kuwait, and FIA Vice President for Sport – MENA, Abdulla bin Issa Al Khalifa from Bahrain. The clubs told Ben Sulayem, 'The modernization of our institution and the strong emphasis you have placed on member engagement and regional development have greatly benefited our clubs and the communities we serve.' FIA President Ben Sulayem has responded by saying: 'I am deeply grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by the 29 Sport and Mobility Member Clubs from across the MENA region. 'This support holds special meaning for me, given my close connection to the region. I've seen firsthand the exceptional talent, commitment, and ambition that define the MENA community, and it is a true honour to have this backing. 'The work being done by clubs in both sport and mobility across the region reflects the core values of the FIA - from grassroots initiatives like the MENA Karting Cup to ongoing efforts in road safety and sustainable mobility. 'Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more dynamic FIA - one that truly represents the strength, diversity, and potential of every region we serve.' The overwhelming support for Ben Sulayem from his home region quickly follows another powerful endorsement of his achievements as President delivered in a letter of support from 36 FIA member clubs across the Americas.
Kuwait Times
24-05-2025
- Kuwait Times
Verstappen heads ‘home' to face McLaren challenge
MONTE CARLO: Defending four-time champion Max Verstappen heads 'home' this weekend with renewed confidence in his car and team, but aware of the pitfalls ahead at this weekend's 71st Monaco Grand Prix. Boosted by the updates package that brought him his 65th victory for Red Bull, at Imola last Sunday, Verstappen confirmed he is a contender for a fifth title this year despite McLaren's early-season domination. He won with ease at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari to move within 22 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri and just nine away from Lando Norris in the other McLaren. He will now be hoping for more of the same at F1's most fabled and glamorous event. But the two-time winner of the Mediterranean principality's often-processional harbourside street race knows that rule changes and the unique challenge of Monte Carlo, where he has a penthouse apartment a tone's throw from many of the other drivers, offer something unique to any other circuit. The introduction of a mandatory two-stop strategy for both wet and dry conditions by ruling body, the FIA, and the confines of the unforgiving, narrow and twisting barrier-lined streets may encourage record 15-times winners McLaren to bounce back for a sixth win in eight races. The champion team, with a fast, nimble car that has appeared to be dominant on circuits featuring slow corners, have not won at Monaco since 2008 when seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, was en route to his first title. 'Slow corners' Red Bull's influential team advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged their threat to his team's hopes of claiming a fourth Monaco win in five years. 'Things could look very different (at Monaco),' he said. 'The car is doing what Max wants again, due to the updates, which have worked, but that was at Imola. Monaco is completely different with only slow corners and it could be much worse.' Verstappen, too, admitted: 'Last year, it was very difficult for us. I don't expect it to be a lot easier this time around.' The 27-year-old Dutchman finished sixth last year when Charles Leclerc became the first Monegasque driver to win his home race in the modern era, a feat unlikely to be repeated due to Ferrari's qualifying struggles this year. For the same reason, Hamilton is not expected to claim a fourth win in Sunday's race, the second in a triple-header of three Grands Prix on consecutive weekends. All this suggests that Piastri, the most consistent driver of the season to date, has an opportunity to secure a first Monaco triumph with a fifth win of the year, if he can resist team-mate Norris in what may be a close qualifying duel. Norris has also never won at Monaco and has claimed only one podium, suggesting he needs to find a leap in qualifying pace to improve his prospects. 'It's a circuit I enjoy,' said Piastri, in his measured Melburnian tone. 'Last year, it was a really good weekend for me, so I am hoping to go one better. Obviously, it's a two-stop race so let's see. I'm confident that we'll be quick.' Mercedes' George Russell is also likely to be a contender through his strong qualifying form with teenage team-mate Kimi Antonelli one of six rookies facing the test for the first time in an F1 car. – AFP
