A Historic First for Saudi Arabia
Jeddah marked a groundbreaking moment in global motorsport as the FIA World Rally Championship made its first-ever appearance in Saudi Arabia. The season finale began with a vibrant opening ceremony on the Jeddah Corniche, drawing thousands of fans and motorsport enthusiasts from across the world. Under the coastal lights of the Red Sea, the event showcased Saudi Arabia’s rising status as a premier destination for international motorsport competitions.
This inaugural WRC round is a major milestone for the Kingdom, reflecting its growing ambition to elevate its global sporting footprint. The rally features nearly 320 kilometers of competitive action spread across 17 stages, delivering a mix of high-speed desert routes, dramatic mountain climbs, and scenic coastal tracks designed to push the world’s best drivers to their limits.
Leadership Celebrates a Defining Milestone
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, welcomed teams and spectators during the opening ceremony. He described the event as a defining chapter in Saudi Arabia’s motorsport journey, emphasizing its commitment to hosting world-class events and providing unforgettable experiences for fans and competitors.
According to Prince Khalid, hosting a WRC round reinforces the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a global hub for motorsport. The diverse terrain surrounding Jeddah creates the perfect backdrop for a thrilling season finale, uniting the energy of the city with the natural beauty of the region’s landscape.
A Grand Introduction on the Corniche
All participating teams and drivers were introduced to the Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, along with other dignitaries. A ceremonial parade along the waterfront set the tone for the challenge ahead, with cars and crews rolling toward the first special test beneath the waving Saudi flag.
With the championship title still undecided, the rally immediately gained global attention. Title leader Elfyn Evans arrived in Jeddah with a slender three-point lead over eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier. With 35 points up for grabs, the finale promises intense competition and unpredictable turns in the fight for the world crown. Kalle Rovanpera, sitting third in the standings, also remains in mathematical contention.
Evans acknowledged the pressure and excitement ahead. He noted that the weekend would be extremely competitive and that the championship battle remained wide open. Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence and readiness to confront the demanding stages awaiting the drivers.
Shakedown Reveals the Desert’s Tough Conditions
Ahead of the main event, drivers tested their skills during the 4.29-kilometer shakedown session northeast of Jeddah. The terrain preview gave teams their first look at the rugged desert environment they would face throughout the rally. In scorching temperatures and sandy conditions, Kalle Rovanpera set the fastest time, showcasing his adaptability and speed in harsh surroundings.
The shakedown displayed the diversity of Saudi Arabia’s off-road environment. From loose gravel to fast-flowing sandy sections, the course offered a challenging introduction to the type of obstacles awaiting competitors over the coming days.
Super Special Stage Thrills Thousands
The spotlight then shifted to the Jameel Motorsport Super Special Stage, set beside the Formula One Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Thousands of spectators filled the grandstands as drivers tackled the 5.22-kilometer tarmac test. The stage delivered dramatic action with its dual laps, bridge crossing, and head-to-head format that showcased skill, speed, and precision.
Qatari rally star Nasser Al-Attiyah made an exciting return to WRC competition. However, his opening run was marred by a jump-start, resulting in a 10-second penalty. Even with the setback, his presence added regional excitement and a deeper competitive edge to the field.
The highlight of the night was the intense duel between Elfyn Evans and Sebastien Ogier. The Frenchman edged out his Toyota teammate by 0.8 seconds, adding pressure to Evans’ title defense. But it was Estonia’s Ott Tanak who claimed the fastest overall time, securing Hyundai an early lead of 1.2 seconds heading into the next day’s desert stages.
Saudi Arabia Becomes 39th Nation to Host a WRC Round
With the rally underway, Saudi Arabia officially joins the list of countries hosting a WRC event. Becoming the 39th nation to welcome the championship signifies the Kingdom’s rising influence in global motorsport. The region’s varied landscapes make it an ideal arena for rallying, offering competitors a rich mix of terrains unlike anywhere else on the championship calendar.
The rally continues as drivers head deep into the desert outside Jeddah. The Al-Faisaliyah Stage, with its sweeping dunes and volcanic rock formations, opens the day with a demanding test. It is followed by the rugged Moon Stage and the technical Khulais Stage, each offering unique challenges that will heavily influence the championship outcome.
A Major Step for Saudi Motorsport
Rally Saudi Arabia is more than a sporting event; it represents a strategic step in Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of developing a thriving motorsport ecosystem. Over recent years, the Kingdom has rapidly expanded its motorsport calendar, hosting events such as Formula E, the Dakar Rally, and Formula One. The addition of the WRC strengthens this portfolio and cements Saudi Arabia’s status as a world-class motorsport destination.
The event also enhances local tourism, offering fans the chance to explore Jeddah’s cultural landmarks, coastal attractions, and vibrant hospitality scene while enjoying the high-speed action. The blend of sport, culture, and technology demonstrates the Kingdom’s growing leadership in hosting large-scale, globally recognized events.
A Thrilling Road Ahead
As Rally Saudi Arabia continues, the battle for the championship promises high drama and unforgettable moments. With tight competition at the top of the standings and some of the season’s most challenging stages ahead, the WRC debut in Saudi Arabia is set to deliver a remarkable conclusion to the year.
The Kingdom’s ability to host a seamless and spectacular event marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for more global motorsport achievements in the future. Jeddah’s shining debut reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition, preparation, and passion for growing its presence on the world sporting stage.
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