“First time in the desert?”… The ‘2025 WRC’ finale sponsored by Hankook Tire takes place in Saudi Arabia [Photo courtesy of Hankook Tire].
The season finale of the ‘2025 World Rally Championship (WRC)’, organized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and exclusively supplied with racing tires by Hankook Tire & Technology, will unfold in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.
The final round, the ‘Saudi Arabia Rally’, is set to happen from the 25th to the 29th (local time) of November 2025 across the Jeddah area. In this unpredictable environment characterized by the desert’s significant diurnal temperature variations, sandstorms, and local climate conditions, tire grip and heat resistance will be crucial for maintaining a stable race.
Held in the Middle East for the first time in over a decade, this event marks the inaugural WRC in Saudi Arabia, garnering significant local interest. Competitors will need to navigate through 17 stages covering 319 kilometers centered around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which combines expansive high-speed desert straightaways with rugged terrain featuring sharp rocky features, influencing drivers’ racing strategies.
To tackle these extreme conditions, Hankook Tire is supplying the rally-specific tire, ‘Dynapro R213′, known for its excellent off-road traction. Available in both hard and soft compounds, the tire is designed with high-strength casing and precision tread design, providing stable grip and immediate steering response at high speeds.
The Dynapro R213 is further enhanced for shock absorption on gravel surfaces and minimizing wear, ensuring stability during extended drives. It has previously received accolades for durability and driving stability in Mediterranean border competitions in countries like Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
A key focal point of this final round is the battle for the Drivers’ Championship. In the previous 13th round, the Japan Rally, Sébastien Ogier of Toyota Gazoo Racing clinched victory, bringing him to 272 points, just 3 points behind his teammate Elfyn Evans. With the final Driver’s Championship title to be decided in this Saudi rally, the event is highly anticipated by fans worldwide.