BISHA: The Saudi Next Gen Program has selected drivers Hamza Bakhashab and Abdullah Alshegawi and their navigators Raed Alassaf and Fahad Alamr as the Kingdom’s representatives for the Dakar Rally 2026.
The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, and the Saudi Motorsport Company, through the Saudi Next Gen Program under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, announced the selection of the two crews on Tuesday.
Their selection follows great performances and relevant progress during rigorous training and competitions, marking a significant step in the Vision 2030 initiative to support and develop Saudi talents in motorsports.
The selection process involved rigorous evaluations, including theoretical and practical training sessions as well as field tests led by motorsports experts.
The program was conducted under the direct supervision of Italian driver Edo Mossi, a four-time Dakar finisher, alongside program ambassadors Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Yasir Bin Seaidan, and Mishaal Al-Ghneim.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, the chairman of the SAMF and the Saudi Motorsport Company, said: “We are proud today to announce the winners of the Saudi Next Gen Program, who will have the opportunity of participating in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, one of the most challenging and renowned races in the world.”
He added that the initiative was not merely a competition but part of Saudi Vision 2030, adding: “It is an opportunity to prepare a new generation of exceptional Saudi drivers who will lead motorsports in the Kingdom to new horizons.”
The four talents are to undergo comprehensive preparation, including specialized training on desert terrains, guidance from a seasoned technical team, and logistical support from the organizing entities.
They will also compete in national-level championships to refine their racing skills and build competitive experience, ensuring they are fully prepared for the Dakar Rally.
The announcement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to advance motorsports and nurture a new generation of Saudi drivers to compete globally.
The Saudi Next Gen Program is a key initiative aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a premier destination for motorsports while inspiring Saudi youngsters to pursue their dreams in the field.
The program featured five nominated drivers who participated in rigorous training sessions in Bisha between Dec. 31 and Jan. 5, under the guidance of Mossi. The program included practicing with Yamaha SSV vehicles and navigating five stages designed to simulate desert rally terrain.
Saudi Next Gen Program selects 2 crews for Dakar Rally 2026
https://arab.news/c65nq
Saudi Next Gen Program selects 2 crews for Dakar Rally 2026
- Hamza Bakhashab, Abdullah Alshegawi, Raed Alassaf, Fahad Alamr to represent Saudi Arabia
- Program conducted under direct supervision of Italian driver Edo Mossi
Al-Attiyah claims victory at 2026 Hail Baja international rally
HAIL: The Hail Baja Toyota International Rally 2026 ended on Saturday with Nasser Al-Attiyah claiming overall victory, completing the event in a total time of 4 hours, 6 minutes, 23 seconds. Yazeed Al-Rajhi finished second with 4:07:05, while Dania Akeel secured third place with 4:20:47.
The event was organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport, the Hail Region Emirate and the Hail Region Development Authority, with Jameel Motorsport as official partner alongside the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.
The winners were crowned by Mansour Al-Mokbel, CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company, in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, chairman of the Hail Region Development Authority board.
The ceremony followed the second and final stage of the rally, which was hosted in Baqaa and covered a total distance of 323 km, including 151 km of the timed special stage.
The event brought together 152 drivers and navigators from 26 nationalities, including 72 Saudis, with 93 vehicles competing across six categories.
Overall classification — Hail Baja Toyota International Rally 2026
FIA Ultimate Category
Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar)
Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Saudi Arabia)
Dania Akeel (Saudi Arabia)
FIA Challenger Category
Yasir Bin Saiedan (Saudi Arabia)
Hamad Al-Wuhaibi (Oman)
Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (Qatar)
FIA SSV Category
Fernando Alvarez (Argentina)
Mansour Al-Helai (UAE)
Erik van Loon (Netherlands)
FIA Stock Category
Majed Al-Thunayan (Saudi Arabia)
Abdullah Al-Shegawi (Saudi Arabia)
Al-Mashna Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)
FIM Motorcycles Category
Alex McInnes (Great Britain)
Mohammed Al-Balooshi (UAE)
Sultan Al-Balooshi (UAE)
FIM Quad Bikes Category
Hani Al-Noumesi (Saudi Arabia)
Abdulaziz Al-Atwi (Saudi Arabia)
Ahmed Al-Jaber (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Toyota Baja Championship
Ultimate Cars Category
Faris Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)
Motab Al-Qnon (Saudi Arabia)
Khalaf Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)
SSV Category
Prince Sultan bin Turki bin Sultan (Saudi Arabia)
Mashael Al-Huwaish (Saudi Arabia)
Abdulmoeen Al-Shawaf (Saudi Arabia)
Stock Category
Mohammed Al-Asiri (Saudi Arabia)
Salem Al-Quraini (Saudi Arabia)
Hatem Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)
The Hail Baja international rally is considered one of the region’s premier motorsport events. It has been a key fixture on the desert rally calendar for more than two decades, offering high standards and an exciting sporting experience for both competitors and spectators. The rally also holds an important position on the calendars of several regional and international championships, reinforcing its status as one of the standout cross-country rallies in the region and reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global motorsport destination.
