Riyadh, January 22, 2025 – Saudi rally driver Yazeed Al Rajhi has etched his name in motorsport history by securing a historic victory in the 2025 Dakar Rally’s car category, becoming the first Saudi driver to triumph in the world’s most prestigious and grueling rally event. The sixth edition of the Dakar Rally, held from January 3 to 17, 2025, was hosted in Saudi Arabia and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), with oversight from the Ministry of Sports. This monumental achievement not only solidifies Al Rajhi’s place among the rally elite but also marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s growing motorsport scene.
Al Rajhi, who drove for the Overdrive Racing team, completed the grueling 52-hour, 52-minute, and 15-second race, finishing just 3 minutes and 57 seconds ahead of South Africa’s Henk Lategan, who drove for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Sweden’s Mattias Ekström, competing for Ford Motorsport, finished third, trailing Al Rajhi by 20 minutes and 21 seconds. The rally, renowned for its extreme challenges and unforgiving terrain, saw Al Rajhi navigate through harsh desert landscapes, technical stages, and unpredictable weather conditions, further underscoring the remarkable nature of his victory.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, Chairman of both the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership and to the Minister of Sports for their unwavering support of motorsport in Saudi Arabia. He attributed the success to their continuous encouragement and vision, noting that this achievement represents a significant turning point for motorsports in the Kingdom. “This victory is not merely a title; it is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in the world of motorsports. It highlights our ongoing efforts to position the Kingdom as a global hub for sporting excellence, and we are excited about the future prospects,” Prince Khalid remarked.
Yazeed Al Rajhi himself reflected on the deep sense of pride and fulfillment that accompanied his historic win, emphasizing the importance of the collective support from SAMF and the broader Saudi motorsport community. He described the victory as the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding desire to succeed in one of the most demanding competitions on the international racing calendar. Al Rajhi’s achievement comes as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing its role in the global motorsport arena.
The final stage of the 2025 Dakar Rally, which took place in Shubaytah, Saudi Arabia, covered a total distance of 131 kilometers, including a timed section of 61 kilometers. This final stage, which concluded the event, was a crucial part of the race, determining the ultimate victor of the rally. Al Rajhi’s consistency and strategic prowess in managing the demanding terrain were key factors in his overall victory, solidifying his legacy as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier motorsport athletes.
This historic win marks not only a personal achievement for Al Rajhi but also a major milestone in the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for motorsports. Saudi Arabia’s growing profile as a host nation for top-tier motorsport events, including the Dakar Rally, the Formula E, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, further strengthens the country’s position as a central player in the global sports landscape. As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure, training, and development, Al Rajhi’s victory is a clear indication of the bright future that lies ahead for Saudi motorsports and the athletes who will follow in his tire tracks.
