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Rally racing will be back in action in Saudi Arabia in the New Year with its adventurous Dakar challenge being held from January 5 to 17.
The 12-stage route for the 7,500km Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 was announced at a press conference in Qiddiya, situated on the outskirts of Riyadh.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Sport Authority (GSA), and HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Abdullah Al Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation, were both present to speak about what the world can expect during Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020.
Prince Abdulaziz, said: “Everyone knows my passion for motorsport, and today I’m full of pride and excitement as a Saudi citizen and a sports fan. With a clear vision and unlimited support, ambition and success become a habit and an obsession.
“We can’t wait to welcome the world of motorsport to Saudi Arabia for the world’s most challenging race to deliver an exceptional edition of Dakar like never before. A successful Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 will help the kingdom carry on its march towards becoming a leader in staging global sporting events.
“We are thrilled to show the world our stunning nature, unrivalled desert and the warm hospitality of the Saudi people.”
The conference also included a panel discussion featuring Prince Khalid, Saudi rally veteran Yazeed Al Rajhi and three Saudi drivers.
Prince Khalid, who announced that Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation will support a number of Saudi drivers making their Dakar debut by covering their race entry fees, said: “We are committed to developing motorsport in the kingdom, improving conditions for drivers and supporting new talents so that Saudi youths have the perfect stage to show the world their unparalleled potential when they get the chance.”
The conference also marked the launch of the Races International advertising campaign which will run across major cities around the world including Paris, Milan and Madrid. The campaign’s promotional video will be screened in locations such as Times Square in New York, Leicester Square in London, Burj Khalifa in Dubai in addition to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.
Organisers are ready to welcome more than 550 drivers from 62 world countries to experience the nature and terrain of the uncharted Saudi desert.
The race gets underway in Jeddah before drivers and crews navigate their way to the north through the trip along the coast, where they will pass by Red Sea Project and the futuristic megacity of Neom.
Drivers will then cruise through the sandy hills of Ha’il on the way to Riyadh before taking a turn to the west in the centre of the kingdom’s desert, then looping back towards the east to enter the Empty Quarter ahead of crossing the finish line in Qiddiya.
Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 will see pilots drive specially modified vehicles, trucks, quad, SxS, and motorbikes, designed to handle 12 stages of various terrains.
