AL-HOFUF, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia will continue to be the home of the Dakar Rally for the next few years with race director David Castera telling AFP “we still have so many deserts to explore.”
Castera was speaking after Saturday’s penultimate stage with Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah poised for his fifth title.
“I’m very happy we’re staying here, with so many deserts still to explore and with this country’s enormous potential,” he said.
Motorsport’s toughest endurance test moved to the conservative Kingdom in 2020 after a spell in South America on an initial 10-year contract.
Dakar organizers ASO announced the switch in 2019 saying a new chapter of the gruelling race’s history would be written in the “mysterious and vast deserts” of the land.
Castera confirmed a clause in the Saudi deal to pull out after five years would not be taken up.
“Today there’s been a big change, it’s progressing at a fast rate,” commented Castera.
“I’m not here to play politics but to organize a sporting event which has the legitimacy to exist here because the terrain suits it.”
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in attracting high profile sporting events including tennis, golf and Formula One to its shores and is preparing a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
And last month five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Saudi side Al-Nassr in a deal worth 200 million euros.
In the race, Al-Attiyah should complete the cruise to his fifth title. Meanwhile, the motorbikes are heading to the closest finish in the race’s history.
Only 12 seconds separate former champions and KTM teammates Toby Price and Kevin Benavides after about 3,900 kilometers of racing through Saudi Arabia.
Another 136 kilometers on Sunday are all that’s left, a fast beach special to the finish in Dammam on the Arabian Gulf.
Al-Attiyah was second on the 13th and penultimate stage on Saturday, 153 kilometers of dunes around Shaybah in the Saudi southeast.
The stage winner again was Sebastien Loeb for an unprecedented sixth straight time.
Loeb should extend his streak to seven on Sunday but the Frenchman will have to settle for second overall for a second straight year to Al-Attiyah, whose lead of 1 hour, 21 minutes practically guarantees he will win the Dakar just 100 kilometers from his Qatar homeland.
“We just have to bring the title home now,” Al-Attiyah said.
Dakar Rally to remain in Saudi Arabia, say organizers
Dakar Rally to remain in Saudi Arabia, say organizers
Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Named ‘Best Event Spectacle’
- Award recognizes the F1 Promoter that has delivered the most impressive off-track event spectacle
- Saudi GP has quickly become one of Formula 1’s most spectacular night races, combining high-speed racing with a fully integrated program of fan engagement
JEDDAH: The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been named ‘Best Event Spectacle’ at the F1 Promoter Awards, which took place in London, UK yesterday.
The award recognizes the F1 Promoter that has delivered the most impressive off-track event spectacle, including entertainment, concerts, and fan activations that enhance the race weekend experience alongside on-track action.
Staged at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the world’s fastest street circuit, the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has quickly become one of Formula 1’s most spectacular night races, combining high-speed racing with a fully integrated program of fan engagement, live entertainment, and immersive activations for audiences of all ages.
Since its debut in December 2021, the event has become as famous for its off-track entertainment as for its adrenaline-fueled racing. Past Grands Prix have featured global superstars including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, Swedish House Mafia, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher performing on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage after racing concluded.
In 2026, fans can expect another world-class entertainment lineup, further cementing Jeddah’s position as a leading destination for sport and entertainment.
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), was thrilled with the nomination: “This award is the result of years of dedication, collaboration, and vision from everyone involved in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — from our teams on the ground to the fans who bring the event to life each year.”
He added: ” Beyond the incredible on-track action, our goal has always been to create a welcoming and immersive race weekend that offers something for everyone by delivering the very best in live entertainment, interactive fan zones and an unrivalled atmosphere that makes Jeddah a truly unique F1 fan destination. We are grateful to Formula 1 for its ongoing partnership and support, which has allowed us to continually raise the bar for what a Grand Prix can be.”
2026: New Cars, New Teams, New Champion
With five thrilling races to its name, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most exciting events on the Formula 1 calendar.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit remains the longest and fastest street circuit in the sport, with drivers averaging 252 km/h and spending 79 percent of each lap at full throttle.
The 2026 season promises a landmark year: featuring all-new cars designed for closer, more unpredictable racing, the addition of Cadillac as an 11th team, and Audi’s long-awaited debut.
Jeddah will also welcome a new reigning World Champion, with McLaren’s Lando Norris defending his title against four-time champion Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri.
F1 Academy will also return, showcasing the next generation of female racing talent, while fans can once again look forward to a world-class live music program, with major acts to be announced soon.
