Long live the Toyota International Rally as Al Rajhi takes the lead after the prologue stage
Hail: Hail Regional Governor Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz addressed competitors in the stands of Al Magwah Amusement Park on Thursday to officially launch the 5th Hail Toyota International Rally. They planted their flags.
The ceremony was attended by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Muqrin, Deputy Governor of Hail Region, and other Saudi members. attended. Participating teams and sponsors.
Leading the entry was top seed in the car category and Saudi Desert Rally champion Yazeed Al Rajhi, followed by local and international drivers.
Al Rajhi, Abdullah Abu Aisheh and Haitham Al Tuwaijri set the fastest times in the car, motorcycle and quad categories during the first 6.25km prologue stage.
Al Rajhi retains his national title and is aiming to win the FIA World Bajas Cup, with the Toyota Hilux driver recording a time of 4 minutes 28 seconds in the slippery opening test.
This was enough for the Riyadh driver and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk to beat Overdrive Racing teammates Rokas Batyushka and Oriol Vidal by eight seconds.
This year, the fifth edition, 164 car and motorcycle racers from 24 countries participated, with 97 cars and 25 racers in the motorcycle category, including 6 in the quad bike category. .
The team is now preparing for two days of competitive action, taking on three special stages in the Great Nafud Desert, before returning to Almagwa Amusement Park on Saturday afternoon.
This year’s Hail Saudi Baja route features classic desert terrain on sand. Some sections include treacherous sand dunes, mountainous terrain, and fast-paced winding gravel roads.
Prince Khalid gave a speech, welcoming domestic and international drivers and teams participating in the rally, and pointing out how Saudi motorsport has made great progress over the past few years thanks to the continued support of the Saudi leadership. did.
Following the opening ceremony, a special demonstration stage started from the 3km long Kalin Antz area.