Sergei Remennik was supposed to run this week’s BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, but the ongoing war in the Middle East forced him to shelve those plans.

Remennik is a Russian who currently lives and works in Dubai. The city, as well as the United Arab Emirates, has been battered repeatedly by Iranian drone strikes since the war began in late February. While ostensibly targeting American military bases (Iran claims the United States’ attack on Kharg Island used the UAE as a staging point, which the latter rejected), several civilian buildings like hotels and airports were also hit. Eight people have died as a result, including six foreign civilians.

As the war continues into its third week with no resolution in sight, it would’ve been difficult for Remennik to get to Portugal safely and be in the right mindset to race.

“Have a great event and give it your all,” Remennik said on Tuesday. “I’ll be cheering you on. May the strongest win!”

Several motorsports events have already been postponed due to the war, including the Rally Jameel and Oman International Baja.

His absence means his plans of continuing in the World Rally-Raid Championship are put on hold as well. Remennik finished 22nd in Challenger at the season-opening Dakar Rally in January, where he was mainly a fast assistance driver for his BBR Motorsport teammates. He won the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup in Challenger.

The Rally-Raid Portugal began on Tuesday with the Prologue for bikes. Had Remennik made it, he and his fellow FIA drivers would’ve kicked off the race with Stage 1 on Wednesday.

Featured image credit: Frédéric Le Floc’h / DPPI / ASO