Reguengos de Monsaraz (Portugal) – After an absence of nearly five months due to injury, Dakar Champion Yazeed Al Rajhi is set to return to the driver’s seat alongside his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, competing once again in Baja Sharish “TT” as part of his preparation for the ambitious title defense at the Dakar Rally 2026.

The Saudi-German duo will kick off their comeback at Baja Portalegre, taking place from September 11–14 in Reguengos de Monsaraz, within the framework of the FIA European Baja Cup. They will then continue their program at the Portugal Rally Raid, the fourth round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), scheduled from September 22–28 around Grândola.

In this context, Al Rajhi emphasized that returning to the start line is a vital step after the forced break caused by the crash at Baja Jordan last April, which left both him and Gottschalk with compression fractures in the spine. Following an intensive medical and rehabilitation program, the crew has fully recovered, as confirmed by the latest medical checks.

Al Rajhi commented, “Alhamdulillah, it feels great to be back after such a tough period. We have been eagerly waiting for this moment. Our goal now is to regain rhythm and full readiness ahead of the Dakar Rally 2026.”

Looking ahead, the team will head to Rallye du Maroc in October—considered the ultimate desert test before Dakar—and later take part in two Saudi Baja rounds (Rally Qassim and Rally Jeddah) as part of their comprehensive preparation program. This will ensure maximum adaptation to the challenging desert terrain in the “Land of Dakar.”

Earlier this year, Al Rajhi made history by becoming the first Saudi driver to win the Dakar Rally in the Cars category, securing victory on home soil in front of his passionate fans. While he was also targeting the W2RC world title and the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, fate had other plans after his mid-season crash forced him to pause his campaign. Nevertheless, he still retains an opportunity to fight for the W2RC crown, although the Baja title is now out of reach.

This landmark achievement was crowned with a special recognition from HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in what Al Rajhi described as the proudest moment of his career: “I received a certificate of honor from our leader and inspiration, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I consider it the greatest achievement of my career—a true badge of pride and honor.”

With his fighting spirit and unshakable determination, Al Rajhi’s return to the global stage reflects his commitment to raising Saudi Arabia’s flag high in international motorsport. Rally fans worldwide now eagerly await his thrilling journey towards Dakar 2026.