Jeddah, January 5, 2025 – The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) has officially launched the Next Saudi Generation Program, an ambitious initiative aimed at nurturing and developing Saudi talent in motorsports. Conducted in collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Company and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, this program seeks to empower Saudi youth and provide opportunities for future champions—both men and women—to explore rally racing and integrate into the dynamic world of motorsports.
As part of this groundbreaking initiative, five drivers and their co-drivers have been selected to compete in the Saudi Rally 2025, the Kingdom’s most prestigious and challenging motorsports event. The selection, which took place during the Qassim Rally, a key round of the Saudi Rally Championship, features a lineup of promising talent: Fahd Al-Marmash with co-driver Hossam Al-Zahrani, Hamza Bakhshab with co-driver Fahd Al-Omar, Abdullah Al-Shaqawi with co-driver Raed Al-Assaf, Merihan Al-Baz with co-driver Waleed Al-Sheqawi, and Fatima Banaz.
These participants are currently undergoing intensive training in Bisha, which will continue until January 5, 2025. Under the guidance of former rally driver Edo Mossi, the training regimen includes theoretical and practical sessions, as well as comprehensive field tests aboard Yamaha SSV vehicles, to prepare the drivers for the rigorous demands of rally racing.
A unique aspect of the program is the mentorship provided by prominent Saudi rally experts and program supervisors, including Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Yasser Seidan, and Mishaal Al-Ghoneim. Their expertise and guidance are invaluable, offering participants insights into the technical, strategic, and mental aspects of the sport.
The ultimate prize for the winning team in this initiative is a coveted spot in the Dakar Rally 2026, one of the most grueling and prestigious motorsport events in the world. This underscores the program's commitment to not only developing local talent but also positioning Saudi drivers on the global motorsports stage.
The launch of the Next Saudi Generation Program signals a new era in Saudi motorsports, blending ambition, innovation, and determination to cultivate the Kingdom’s next wave of motorsport champions.