HAIL: The 20th edition of the Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 got underway on Thursday with a ceremonial start in Hail City.
Hail Region Gov. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, alongside Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, flagged off the competitors at Al-Maghwah Amusement Park, marking the official launch of the rally.
The competition proper begins on Friday morning, featuring more than 116 vehicles across multiple categories.
The car category alone includes 77 competitors, with 32 local participants competing in the Saudi Toyota Championship, 38 international drivers and seven contenders in the Legends category. Additionally, 39 competitors will take on the demanding terrain in the motorcycle category, including six in the quads division.
The rally’s challenging course cuts across a variety of terrains, including the vast Nafud Al-Kabir desert, renowned for its towering sand dunes, rugged trails and striking landscapes.
Several leading drivers and riders attended the official pre-event press conference on Thursday, including Saudi rally champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi, fresh off his Dakar Rally 2025 victory, alongside Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, Saudi drivers Dania Akeel and Saleh Al-Saif, among other top competitors.
A special Legends of Rally press conference was also held, where Prince Khalid bin Sultan announced his return to competitive racing after 18 years.
“My competition with champion Abdullah Bakhashab will be fierce, and I hope to deliver a performance worthy of the fans’ expectations, even though I am participating as an honorary competitor,” he said.
Bakhashab, in response, said: “I will do whatever it takes to secure victory and showcase my extensive experience against Prince Khalid. I’m prepared for all scenarios — winning is my goal.”
Omani rally driver Hamad Al-Wahaibi expressed his enthusiasm at taking part. “I’m thrilled to be in Hail and competing in this race, which brings together legends — some of whom I’ve faced in past events,” he said.
Saudi rally driver Ahmed Al-Sabban echoed similar sentiments: “This will be an incredible race with an elite lineup. The Hail Rally holds some of my best career memories, and I’m fully prepared.”
Hail native Farhan Al-Shammari, who won the inaugural Hail Rally 20 years ago, is eager to reclaim the title: “Racing on my home turf, in front of my fans, is a great honor. I will give my all to win the title again, two decades after my first victory.”
Four-time Hail Rally champion Issa Al-Dosari also promised a thrilling competition. “We are ready to deliver an exciting race for fans. This is a legendary event, and we are determined to put on a show worth watching,” he said.
The Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the event and holds significant importance on the global motorsport calendar.
It serves as the opening round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, as well as the inaugural round of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Additionally, it launches the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship and marks the first round of the Cross-Country Bajas World Cup for motorcycles.
