ISLAMABAD: The annual 19th Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally started in Bahawalpur this week, with over 150 racing enthusiasts from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other countries participating.
The Cholistan Desert in southern Punjab forms part of the Greater Thar Desert, which extends to Pakistan’s southern Sindh province and the Indian state of Rajasthan. Cholistan was once a center for caravan trade, leading to the construction of numerous forts in the medieval period to protect trade routes, of which the Derawar Fort in Bahawalpur is the best-preserved example.
The 19th edition of the desert rally, which spreads over 500 kilometers, started on Tuesday. Drivers from Saudi Arabia, the UK, Afghanistan, Iran, and the US are participating this year, Managing Director of Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) Humaira Akram told state-run APP.
“The women’s category has been made more active,” the official said. “The event will highlight the history and culture of the Cholistan Desert, the historical palaces of Bahawalpur, historical buildings, historical backgrounds, tourism, and culture through beautiful cultural dances in addition to light and sound shows.”
A qualifying round was held in Cholistan on February 22, followed by the first round of prepared cars on February 23, and a stock category race along with a dirt bike race on February 24, followed by a cultural show.
“On February 25, the prepared category race and truck race will take place, followed by the prize distribution ceremony,” Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Sumera Rabani told media.
“The Cholistan Fort will be adorned with beautiful decorations during the Cholistan Rally. The Sports Department will organize competitions including Kabaddi, traditional wrestling, volleyball, and tug of war.”
International drivers from Saudi Arabia, Iran, US, rev up for Pakistan Cholistan Desert Rally
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International drivers from Saudi Arabia, Iran, US, rev up for Pakistan Cholistan Desert Rally
- The annual 19th Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally started in Bahawalpur this week
- Over 150 racing enthusiasts from Pakistan and abroad are participating this year
Aoki beat Brady to win dramatic E1 Jeddah GP and take early championship lead
- The win marked the second time Aoki Racing Team has triumphed in Jeddah, giving the outfit an early lead in the championship
JEDDAH: Aoki Racing Team claimed victory at the E1 Jeddah GP 2026 after an intense final on the waters of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, fending off defending champions Team Brady.
The win marked the second time Aoki Racing Team has triumphed in Jeddah, giving the outfit an early lead in the championship. Pilots Sara Misir and Dani Clos delivered a commanding performance in front of thousands of spectators, capitalizing on a decisive final run.
After the checkered flag, Team AlUla — championed by LeBron James — were promoted to third place after debutants Sierra Racing Club received a penalty for an overtaking infringement, dropping them to fifth.
The race was packed with drama from the outset, with Misir going foil-to-foil with Team Rafa’s Spanish pilot Cris Lazarraga into the opening corner. There was a slight touch between the two E1 RaceBirds, with Misir emerging ahead.
Teammate Clos had earlier done the groundwork in Final 1 to secure the inside lane for Misir. The Jamaican pilot then dominated the remaining six laps, showcasing a strong display of teamwork and race control.
Misir was also awarded the coveted PIF Pilot of the Day award in recognition of her outstanding performance on debut for Aoki Racing Team. Her racecraft, control and consistency under pressure stood out throughout the day’s racing.
The Jeddah race marked the championship’s now traditional Saudi season opener, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing role in the future of electric sport, sustainable mobility and innovation on water.
Trophies were presented to Aoki Racing Team by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sport; to Team Brady by HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation; and to Team AlUla pilots by Sophi Horne, founder and chairman of Seabird Technologies.
Misir said: “It feels good. Dani went out there and finished P1, so I knew I had big boots to fill. I went out, kept my head down and tried my hardest.”
Her teammate, Clos, added: “I’m on a cloud. This is an amazing place to be — I’m happy with Aoki Racing Team, happy with everyone around me. This is super special for us.”
Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of E1, who also presented trophies to the winning representatives, said: “Seeing Aoki Racing Team clinch victory here today in Jeddah by beating the defending champions was an exhilarating spectacle, framed against the Red Sea skyline.
“All the teams were cheered on by thousands of spectators who gathered to watch the racing action. Our thanks go to them and our fantastic partners — the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation and the Ministry of Sport — who have once again extended their hospitality and helped us deliver an incredible event.”
Attention now turns to Lake Como, Italy, from April 24–25, as the championship heads to Europe for the next stop on its global tour.
