The roar of engines and the thrill of competition have descended upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a historic moment for motorsports in the region. With the esteemed presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), the رالي السعودية 2025 (Saudi Arabia Rally 2025), officially commenced in Jeddah on Wednesday. This event, proudly supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Motorsports, represents the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted a leg of this prestigious global championship, a testament to the nation’s growing prominence as a sporting hub. The rally, running until November 29th, is under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), with Saudi Motorsport Company handling the marketing.
A Grand Opening and Initial Stages
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of its own, graced by the attendance of Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the SAMF, representatives from Saudi Motorsport Company, and Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the excitement surrounding this landmark event.
The competitive action began promptly with the “Shakedown” stage in Dhahran, a crucial session for teams to fine-tune their vehicles and driver preparations before the real race begins. This 4.56km stretch saw Toyota Gazoo Racing dominate, setting the pace for the competition. Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä clocked the fastest time at 3 minutes and 1 second, followed closely by his Japanese teammate Takamoto Katsuta at 3 minutes and 1.005 seconds. British driver Elfyn Evans completed the Toyota sweep, securing third place with a time of 3 minutes and 2 seconds. This early dominance signals Toyota’s intent to finish the season strongly.
Stage 1: A Glimpse of the Competition
The first competitive stage, the “Abdul Latif Jameel Motorsports Special Stage 1,” unfolded amidst a large and enthusiastic crowd, and extensive media coverage. The stage provided a thrilling preview of the challenges to come, with drivers pushing their limits and showcasing their skill.
Ott Tänak, driving for Hyundai, emerged as the leader, completing the stage in 3 minutes and 53.003 seconds. French legend Sébastien Ogier, representing Toyota, followed in second place with a time of 3 minutes and 54.005 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Latvian driver Martin Šeškas from Ford, finishing in 3 minutes and 54.009 seconds. Belgian Thierry Neuville and British driver Elfyn Evans secured fourth and fifth positions respectively, highlighting the incredibly tight competition expected throughout the رالي السعودية 2025. The stage demonstrated the diverse range of talent and the intensity of the battle for supremacy.
WRC2 and WRC3: Rising Stars Shine
Beyond the headline WRC class, the support categories also delivered captivating performances. In the WRC2 category, Polish driver Kajetan Kajetanowicz took the lead with a time of 4 minutes and 5.003 seconds, closely pursued by Spanish driver Alejandro Cachón (4 minutes and 5.007 seconds). Bulgarian Nikolay Gryazin secured third place with a time of 4 minutes and 6.002 seconds. This category is known for its fiercely contested battles between experienced rally drivers and emerging talents.
The WRC3 category saw Italian Matteo Fontana take the top spot, finishing in 4 minutes and 24 seconds. A particularly noteworthy performance came from Saudi driver Saeed Al Mouri, who secured second place with a time of 4 minutes and 34 seconds, demonstrating the growing strength of Saudi motorsports. Indian driver Navin Poliagila completed the podium with a time of 4 minutes and 45.006 seconds. The participation of Al Mouri is especially significant, inspiring a new generation of Saudi rally enthusiasts. This showcases the development of local talent fostered by events like the رالي السعودية 2025.
Looking Ahead: A Challenging Road to the Finish
Tomorrow, Thursday, the رالي السعودية 2025 بدعم من جميل لرياضة المحركات (Saudi Arabia Rally 2025 supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Motorsports) will continue with a demanding series of special stages. Drivers will start according to their overall standings in the World Rally Championship. The schedule includes “Al-Faisaliah 1,” “Al-Qamar 1,” and “Khalees 1,” with each stage being repeated in the evening under the names “Al-Faisaliah 2,” “Al-Qamar 2,” and “Khalees 2.” A final special stage, “Abdul Latif Jameel Motorsports Special Stage 8,” will conclude the day’s competition.
These stages are expected to be incredibly challenging, testing the drivers’ skill, endurance, and the reliability of their machines. The varied terrain, including sand dunes, rocky paths, and twisty mountain roads, will demand precision and adaptability. Successfully navigating these stages will be crucial for maintaining a competitive position in the rally.
Saudi Arabia’s Rising Profile in International Motorsport
Hosting the concluding round of the WRC is a powerful statement of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a world-class sporting infrastructure combined with significant investment in رياضة المحركات (motorsports). The event builds upon the country’s recent successes in organizing high-profile international sporting events, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for global sports. This highlights the ambition outlined in the Kingdom’s national vision to diversify its economy and enhance its international image.
Additionally, it provides a unique platform to promote Saudi culture and tourism to a worldwide audience. The enthusiastic response from fans and the extensive media coverage demonstrate the significant impact of this event. The رالي السعودية 2025 is not just a motorsports competition; it’s a showcase of Saudi Arabia’s potential and its dedication to becoming a global sporting leader, offering new opportunities for growth within سباقات الرالي (rally racing) and supporting local enthusiasts.
