Latest news with #SaudiAutomobileandMotorcycleFederation
The Star
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Rallying-Dakar Rally champion Al-Rajhi eyes September return after accident
FILE PHOTO: Rallying - Dakar Rally - Stage 12 - Shubaytah to Shubaytah - Saudi Arabia - January 17, 2025 Overdrive Racing's Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Timo Gottschalk celebrate with Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, President of Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation after winning in the car category REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia's Yazeed Al-Rajhi, the reigning Dakar Rally champion, aims to resume competitive racing by September following a serious accident in Jordan that left him with two broken vertebrae. Al-Rajhi, 43, became the first Saudi to win the Dakar Rally in January, completing the 12-stage race nearly four minutes ahead of South African rival Henk Lategan. The event, relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2020 after years in South America, originally followed a Europe-to-Africa route but shifted due to security concerns after 2007. "I am gradually recovering from the injury I sustained in Aqaba last April while participating in the Jordan Baja," Al-Rajhi told Reuters on Tuesday, referencing the accident that flipped his car during the rally. His co-driver, Germany's Timo Gottschalk, was also seriously injured. "I am following the treatment and rehabilitation program strictly under the supervision of a specialised medical team, amid high morale and great determination to return." Al-Rajhi, who competes for his own team Yazeed Racing, said he expects to return in September at Rally Portugal. "God willing, I anticipate resuming participation in competitions in the last quarter of the 2025 season," he added, noting his plans to rejoin the FIA World Baja Cup, FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and Saudi Arabia's national championship. Reflecting on his Dakar Rally victory, Al-Rajhi said: "I'm very proud and happy with this title after we won in Dakar with a private team not belonging to a factory for the first time in more than 25 years." He described the achievement as a "major turning point in the history of motorsport." Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in motorsports under its Vision 2030 initiative, hosting events like Formula One, Formula E, Extreme E, and desert rally championships. "Today, the Kingdom has become an international centre for motorsports, supported by advanced infrastructure and ambitious national cadres," Al-Rajhi said. Looking ahead, Al-Rajhi sees growing interest in motorsports across the Arab world, including Qatar's hosting of Formula One and MotoGP, alongside Bahrain and the UAE's Formula One Grand Prix events. However, he stressed the need for an "integrated qualification system" to develop professional drivers in the region. Internationally, Al-Rajhi believes that Saudi Arabia and the Arab region "will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsports, not only as hosts, but as real competitors for championships through teams and champions who carry the flags of their countries and achieve great things at the highest levels." Saudi Arabia has signalled ambitions to own a Formula One team, following its sponsorship of the sport and hosting its first F1 race in 2021. Energy giant Aramco remains a global partner of Formula One, while other Middle Eastern nations have strengthened ties to the sport through investments in teams such as McLaren, Audi, and others. (Reporting by Ashraf Hamed AttaEditing by Toby Davis)
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Rallying-Dakar Rally champion Al-Rajhi eyes September return after accident
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Rallying - Dakar Rally - Stage 12 - Shubaytah to Shubaytah - Saudi Arabia - January 17, 2025 Overdrive Racing's Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Timo Gottschalk celebrate with Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, President of Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation after winning in the car category REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo Saudi Arabia's Yazeed Al-Rajhi, the reigning Dakar Rally champion, aims to resume competitive racing by September following a serious accident in Jordan that left him with two broken vertebrae. Al-Rajhi, 43, became the first Saudi to win the Dakar Rally in January, completing the 12-stage race nearly four minutes ahead of South African rival Henk Lategan. The event, relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2020 after years in South America, originally followed a Europe-to-Africa route but shifted due to security concerns after 2007. "I am gradually recovering from the injury I sustained in Aqaba last April while participating in the Jordan Baja," Al-Rajhi told Reuters on Tuesday, referencing the accident that flipped his car during the rally. His co-driver, Germany's Timo Gottschalk, was also seriously injured. "I am following the treatment and rehabilitation program strictly under the supervision of a specialised medical team, amid high morale and great determination to return." Al-Rajhi, who competes for his own team Yazeed Racing, said he expects to return in September at Rally Portugal. "God willing, I anticipate resuming participation in competitions in the last quarter of the 2025 season," he added, noting his plans to rejoin the FIA World Baja Cup, FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and Saudi Arabia's national championship. Reflecting on his Dakar Rally victory, Al-Rajhi said: "I'm very proud and happy with this title after we won in Dakar with a private team not belonging to a factory for the first time in more than 25 years." He described the achievement as a "major turning point in the history of motorsport." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDP celebrations to be held at 5 heartland sites, including Bishan and Punggol, on Aug 10 Singapore Keep citizens at the centre of public service, Chan Chun Sing tells civil servants Singapore Man arrested for allegedly throwing bottle at SMRT bus, injuring passenger Asia As Trump plays tariffs hard ball, Asean has little choice but to play on Asia PM Anwar called out by his own lawmakers as Malaysia's judicial crisis heats up Singapore SIA flight from Brisbane to Singapore diverted to Perth due to technical issue Sport Speeding likely cause of Diogo Jota car crash: Police Business Great Eastern could resume trading after delisting vote fails to pass; OCBC's exit offer lapses Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in motorsports under its Vision 2030 initiative, hosting events like Formula One, Formula E, Extreme E, and desert rally championships. "Today, the Kingdom has become an international centre for motorsports, supported by advanced infrastructure and ambitious national cadres," Al-Rajhi said. Looking ahead, Al-Rajhi sees growing interest in motorsports across the Arab world, including Qatar's hosting of Formula One and MotoGP, alongside Bahrain and the UAE's Formula One Grand Prix events. However, he stressed the need for an "integrated qualification system" to develop professional drivers in the region. Internationally, Al-Rajhi believes that Saudi Arabia and the Arab region "will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsports, not only as hosts, but as real competitors for championships through teams and champions who carry the flags of their countries and achieve great things at the highest levels." Saudi Arabia has signalled ambitions to own a Formula One team, following its sponsorship of the sport and hosting its first F1 race in 2021. Energy giant Aramco remains a global partner of Formula One, while other Middle Eastern nations have strengthened ties to the sport through investments in teams such as McLaren, Audi, and others. REUTERS
CairoScene
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- CairoScene
Rally Jameel 2025 Returns with All-Women Lineup Across Five Cities
With 45 all-female teams from 37 countries, Rally Jameel 2025 will cover 1,500 km of Saudi and Jordanian terrain. Rally Jameel is set to return for its fourth edition on April 21st, bringing together an all-women roster of drivers and navigators for one of the region's most ambitious off-road events. The 2025 edition of the rally will span six days and five cities, starting in Petra, Jordan and crossing into Saudi Arabia through Tabuk, AlUla and Hail, before finishing in Qassim on April 26th. Covering more than 1,500 kilometres of mixed terrain—from desert plateaus and mountain valleys to coastal routes—the event places a spotlight on endurance and navigation rather than speed. What sets Rally Jameel apart is not just the landscape, but the people behind the wheel: all 45 participating teams are led by women, representing 37 countries across four continents. Among them are 25 returning competitors from previous editions, joined by 20 newcomers taking part in the rally for the first time. First launched in 2022, Rally Jameel made history as the first women's off-road rally in the Middle East. Since then, it has evolved into a high-profile platform for female talent in motorsport, recognised by the FIA Women in Motorsport Committee and fully sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF). Organised by Jameel Motorsport, the rally continues to receive backing from Toyota distributor Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. Over the years, it has helped forge new pathways for women in rally driving, offering international visibility and hands-on experience in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Leaders
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Gears Up for Formula 1 Team Ownership Soon
Saudi Arabia may soon acquire a Formula 1 team, signaling deeper investment in global motorsport, revealed Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF). Speaking ahead of Jeddah's Grand Prix, he confirmed active discussions, citing the sport's rapid commercial growth. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Premier League's Newcastle United and LIV Golf, could lead the acquisition. Prince Khalid emphasized profitability, stating, 'PIF entities invest strategically—Formula 1's rising global appeal aligns with our vision.' Recent reports suggest PIF has explored partnerships with mid-tier teams like Aston Martin or Williams. However, Prince Khalid explained that this could happen soon. ''It could happen, it could happen soon if you see the growth.' He added. Prince Khalid views team ownership as a smart business move. He noted, 'Formula 1 reaches new markets, sales are globally increasing.' Success matters too, he stressed, 'I'd like them to do it right and be successful.' This fits PIF's strategy of profitable sports investments worldwide. Strategic Expansion Aligns With Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia's motorsport push supports Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and boost tourism. Since hosting its first F1 race in 2021, Jeddah's event has drawn 150,000+ annual attendees, generating $200M+ in local revenue. Formula 1's value soared under Liberty Media, with teams now valued at $1.3B on average. Saudi entry could mirror Abu Dhabi's success with Red Bull Racing, leveraging sponsorship and technical collaborations. While Prince Khalid acknowledged complexities in team selection and management, he hinted at imminent developments. 'Hosting races and sponsoring teams lays the groundwork—expect announcements soon,' he stated. Critics question Saudi Arabia's motorsport investments amid climate concerns. However, F1's 2030 net-zero pledge and Saudi's NEOM EV initiatives aim to align racing with environmental goals. Short link : Post Views: 3
Asharq Al-Awsat
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince Receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Winner of 2025 Dakar Rally
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Thursday Yazeed Al-Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia in the car category. Al-Rajhi is the first Saudi driver to achieve this monumental feat in the world's most renowned rally. Meeting at the at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Crown Prince Mohammed congratulated Al-Rajhi on his victory, stressing that his achievement should be motivation for Saudi athletes. Al-Rajhi expressed his deep gratitude to the Crown Prince for the reception, which embodies his keenness, interest, and support for all athletes. The meeting was attended by Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz.
