HAIL: The Hail International Rally 2024 Saudi Arabia championship calendar begins on Thursday with competitors raring to go despite the challenging race conditions.
Seven female competitors will be among the 164 racers from 24 countries taking part in the rally that runs from Feb. 8 to 10 and is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
“Our main concern in this rally is the safety of participants,” said Elie Semaan, the technical consultant of the rally.
Semaan said the federation wanted to ensure more citizens compete in the sport.
The racers will line up at Al-Maghwah Park on Thursday afternoon for the first event of the FIM Bajas World Cup and the Saudi Toyota Championship.
The route surrounding the north-central city will feature a challenging course comprising 85 percent open desert, 10 percent gravel and dirt tracks, and 5 percent sand dunes in the Great Nafud desert.
The competitors gathered at a hotel on Wednesday night to discuss their hopes, challenges and preparations.
“I am pleased to be here in Saudi Arabia and looking forward to competing with the rest. It’s going to be a challenge out there this weekend,” said Portuguese driver Joao Ferrieri, who is making his debut.
Local star Dania Akeel, who is debuting in the T1+ (Ultimate) category in the first round of the 2024 Saudi Toyota Championship, said she is relishing the occasion.
“It is going to be a new challenge for me but feel very excited to take part in such a category,” she said.
“This is a natural step in my career to not only improve but grow as a racing driver. I’m excited to start the first round with the intention to learn as much as I can about this new pace, new speed, and finishing the race in a safe and challenging experience.”
Annett Quandt, a sports physiotherapist from Germany who has been working for X-raid since 2012, was also aware of the challenges ahead.
“It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are, it’s always a big challenge here in Hail. The roads are very challenging, but we have to do the job.”
Saudi Arabia driver Ahmed Alshaqawi, who has raced in Hail before, is looking forward to the contest.
“From experience I’m always telling myself to take it easy but when you put the helmet on it is nothing like that and you give it everything you have got,” he said. “Nothing is guaranteed at the moment, we hope for the best and look forward to a strong finish.”
Argentinian driver Fernando Alvarez said he was well-prepared and looking for a victory.
