Launching the "Next Saudi Generation Program" in Motorsports

The Saudi Arabian Motor Federation announced the launch of the "Next Saudi Generation Program" to support and develop Saudi talents in motorsports, which comes within the great efforts made by the Federation, the Saudi Motorsports Company and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, to support Saudi youth, and provide an opportunity for future champions from the sons and daughters of the nation to enter the world of rallies, and integrate them into the world of motorsports.

Five drivers were selected within this initiative: Fahad Al-Marmash, navigator Hussam Al-Zahrani, Hamza Bakhashab, navigator Fahad Al-Omar, Abdullah Al-Shaqawi, navigator Raed Al-Assaf, Marihan Al-Baz, navigator Walid Al-Shaqawi, and Fatima Banaz. The drivers will participate for the first time in the Saudi Car Rally 2025, the oldest, most famous and challenging rally in the world of motorsports, which is hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the sixth consecutive year. These five competitors were selected during the Qassim Rally, one of the rounds of the Saudi Rally Championship.

The drivers will undergo intensive training in Bisha, which will continue until January 5, 2025, under the supervision of former driver Edo Musa, including theoretical and practical training sessions, and comprehensive field tests, on board a Yamaha SSV class vehicle, including the demonstration stage, and passing two stages in the style of desert rallies. Participants in the program will benefit from the extensive experience of Saudi rally experts and program ambassadors, Yazeed Al Rajhi, Yasser Saeedan, and Mishaal Al Ghunaim, who will help prepare them to participate in local and international competitions. The winning team will have the opportunity to participate in the Dakar Rally 2026.

The launch of the “Next Saudi Generation Program” comes within the framework of the prominent efforts made by the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation; with the aim of developing a unique experience for the new generation of Saudi drivers, developing their skills, and advancing their capabilities, to prepare a new and distinguished generation of Saudi talents in the world of rallies.

With the Saudi Dakar Rally 2025, which started yesterday from the city of Bisha, known for its ancient heritage, towering mountains, and quiet valleys, over 14 days, participants will cover a distance of approximately 7,759 kilometers, including 5,115 kilometers of special timed stages, through diverse terrain that highlights the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the Kingdom.

The rally ends in Shubaytah, deep in the Empty Quarter, which is considered The largest continuous sand desert in the world. This year's Dakar Rally will be attended by 12 Saudi drivers: Yazeed Al Rajhi, Yasser bin Saedan, Dania Aqeel, Saleh Al Saif, Hamad Al Harbi, Ibrahim Al Muhanna, Tariq Al Ramah, and Badr Al Barrak, and in the motorcycle category, Mishaal Al Ghunaim, Abdul Halim Al Mughirah, Ahmed Al Jaber, and Badr Al Hamdan. The Dakar Rally is one of the most important motorsports events in the world. For more than 4 decades, the Dakar Rally has added great excitement to participants and spectators alike, and has made its way through breathtaking tracks in the continents of Europe, Africa, and South America, until the race appeared for the first time ever in the continent of Asia in 2020 when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted this rally in a historic event that established the Kingdom's position as the home of global motorsports.