Yazeed Al Rajhi Makes History By Winning Dakar Rally 2025 Title For Saudi Arabia

Yazeed Al Rajhi, a Saudi rally driver, achieved a historic milestone by winning the Dakar Rally 2025 in the car category. This victory marks him as the first Saudi to win this prestigious global rally event. The sixth edition of the rally was held in Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17, under the organisation of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and supervised by the Ministry of Sports.

Driving for Overdrive, Al Rajhi completed the rally in 52 hours, 52 minutes, and 15 seconds. He finished just 3 minutes and 57 seconds ahead of South Africa's Henk Lategan from Toyota Gazoo Racing. Sweden's Mattias Ekström, representing Ford Motorsport, secured third place with a time difference of 20 minutes and 21 seconds behind Al Rajhi.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, Chairman of SAMF and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), expressed gratitude towards the Kingdom's leadership and Minister of Sports for their support. He attributed this success to their unwavering backing and hoped it would lead to more significant achievements in Saudi motorsports.

Prince Khalid highlighted the importance of this victory: "This achievement is not just a title but a turning point for motorsports in Saudi Arabia, reflecting our aspirations and goals for this sport and paving the way for a bright future." His words underline the broader impact this win could have on motorsport development in Saudi Arabia.

Al Rajhi expressed immense pride in his victory, which he described as a historic moment for Saudi Arabia. He credited SAMF's relentless efforts and continuous support as crucial factors in achieving this title. He acknowledged that winning one of the world's most challenging races was a culmination of dedicated efforts.

The final stage of Dakar Rally 2025 concluded yesterday in Shubaytah. It covered a total distance of 131 km, including a timed section spanning 61 km. This marked the end of an intense competition that tested drivers' endurance and skill over two weeks.

This victory not only highlights Al Rajhi's exceptional driving skills but also signifies a promising future for motorsports in Saudi Arabia. The support from national leaders has been instrumental in reaching this milestone, setting a foundation for further growth and success in international racing events.

With inputs from SPA