HAIL: Saudi rally driver Abdullah Bakhashab and French co-driver Sebastien Delaunay stormed to a commanding victory in the second and final stage of the Legends Rally in Hail on Saturday.
Bakhashab set the pace in the Toyota Hilux from the start with an impressive time of 04:40:10. The duo set the fastest time in each stage in a dominant performance.
Despite the dramatic victory, it was Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal who captured the headlines after an accident shortly before the end of the second stage in which his vehicle rolled over.
He was able to continue, with he and co-driver Pablo Morena of Spain finishing in fourth with a time of 05:48:24.
Second overall position went to Essa Al-Dosari with a time of 05:30:53, while veteran Saudi driver Ahmed Al-Sabban secured third with 05:45:05.
Speaking after the race, Bakhashab said he was delighted to win the Legends category, part of this year’s Hail Toyota International Rally, but that the victory was unexpected given his 15-year absence from rallying.
“I was following a strategy of taking my time so that I could pass Prince Khaled and the rest of my colleagues, and thank God I succeeded and was able to arrive first and win the title,” he said.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan congratulated Bakhashab, saying: “Abdullah was able to win the challenge with his experience, and this is not strange for him as a champion with titles and achievements.”
On his accident, he added: “Thank God we came out of this race safely, and I promise you that we will be crowned in the next rally. The challenge is still on with Bakhashab and the other competitors.”
