Championship promoters had been working on an expanded 14-round schedule for next year which would have included a new desert-based round in Saudi Arabia.
The event had been touted as a possible addition to this year’s calendar but a deal was unable to be reached in time and has been pushed back a year. The WRC and organisers in Saudi Arabia still harbour hopes of securing an agreement but it appears 2025 is now the most likely target.
It is understood that a candidate event will be run close to Jeddah next year that will feature as part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Saudi Arabia's likely omission from the 2024 schedule will pave the way for a 13-round schedule which could help the WRC’s wish to grow the Rally1 field next year from a financial aspect.
Hyundai is currently investigating the prospect of running a fourth i20 N Rally1 in 2024. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul has previously told Autosport that budget is among the factors under consideration before this project is given the green light.
The former Renault Formula 1 boss spoke positively about the concept in Finland last week, confirming that a decision is expected to be made before the end of September.
The 2024 calendar is already starting to take shape with Monte Carlo, Sweden, Portugal, Greece, Kenya, Sardinia, Latvia (which will replace Estonia) and Chile all contracted for next year.
Last weekend Finland joined that group after inking a new there-year extension until the end of 2026.
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Source: Autosport