Wallan Trading Company's racing team, led by Saudi drivers Mirhan Al-Baz and her assistant Faridah Abdullah, achieved a remarkable victory in the 4-cylinder (AWD4 category) during the third edition of the Jameel Rally. The team's stellar performance also earned them the 24th place overall.
Taking place from March 4 to 8, this event marked the first desert navigation rally exclusively for women in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. Organized by Jameel Motorsport with support from the International Automobile Federation through the Women in Motorsport Committee and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, the rally showcased the prowess of female drivers in a challenging off-road setting.
The Geely / Wallan team made history by being the first Chinese car company to participate in Saudi Arabia's women's car racing scene. With 55 teams comprising 110 female drivers from 37 countries, the championship spanned five days and covered 1,600 km through rugged terrain encompassing sand, rocks, stones, and mud. The route passed through Ha'il, AlUla, Umluj, Yanbu, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.
Fahad Al-Wallan, Chairman of Wallan Holding Company, expressed the company's commitment to promoting diversity and sports excellence in line with Vision 2030. The participation in Rally Jameel 2024 aligns with this vision of fostering a healthier and more active society that encourages individuals regardless of gender, age, or background to pursue their passions and achieve their potential.
Alex GU, Managing Director of Geely Auto Middle East, emphasized the shared values of inclusivity and empowerment of women between Geely and Wallan Trading Company. The partnership aims to advance female participation in sports and contribute to the Kingdom's transformation into a global sports destination.
Falah Al-Jarba, Coach of Geely Tugella, congratulated Mirhan Al-Baz and Faridah Abdullah for their outstanding performance, highlighting their role in showcasing Saudi motorsport talent and inspiring more women and young girls to pursue their dreams in motorsports. The Geely Tugella, equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection engine generating 238hp and 350nm torque, demonstrated its engineering excellence and road handling capabilities during the rally.
