Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the longstanding distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia, joined forces with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) to introduce the Gazoo Racing (GR) Saudi Team for the current season of the prestigious Saudi Toyota Championship.
The unveiling event, which took place at the Hussein Jameel Hall in Jeddah, was graced by the presence of senior management from Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, SAMF representatives, officials from the Ministry of Sports, and renowned Saudi racers, including Yazeed Al Rajhi and Dania Akeel. The highlight of the event was the reveal of the GR team's vehicles, proudly adorned with the new GR Saudi team branding, featuring the Yaris GR, GR 86, and Supra models.
Spearheaded by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the team comprises four male drivers: Hamza Bakhashab, Abdullah Kabbani, Mahmoud Abed, and Yousef Bahuwirth, alongside one female driver, Reem Alabood, who earned her place as the top female participant at the recently launched GR Saudi Driving School. The team is gearing up to compete in the Autocross, Drift, and Time Attack disciplines during the forthcoming event scheduled to take place in Alahsa from September 28 to 30.
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, emphasized the significance of nurturing young talent and how initiatives like the GR Saudi Driving School and the launch of the GR Saudi Team are instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for motorsports. He expressed optimism about the growth and success of Saudi talent both locally and on the global stage.
The selection process for the team members was rigorous and included intensive training and assessment at the GR Saudi Driving School located at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The drivers were mentored by Abdullah Bakhashab, Paul Spooner, and Hatim Natto, who collectively harnessed their potential and paved the way for them to become the inaugural members of the GR Saudi Team.
Hassan Jameel, Chairman of the Board of Managers of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, underscored the company's commitment to Saudi Arabian motorsports and nurturing the next generation of Saudi drivers. This partnership with SAMF not only advances motorsports but also aligns with Vision 2030's "Quality of Life" program by identifying and fostering exceptional talent.
At its core, this initiative acknowledges that motorsports not only produce champions but also serve as a source of inspiration and role models. The GR Saudi Team signifies a significant milestone in Abdul Latif Jameel Motors' 26-year legacy in the motorsports world, with the potential to inspire the youth of Saudi Arabia as they aspire to make their mark in the field of motorsports.
