Al Rajhi’s Second Step Towards Dakar 2026: Saudi Champion Continues His Comeback at the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal

Grândola (Portugal) – Following his participation in Baja Sharish which he considered a crucial rehabilitation round to test his readiness after injury, Saudi and global rally champion Yazeed Al Rajhi is now set to return to long-distance rallying at the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal. The event, which serves as the third round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), will take place from 22 to 28 September.

This entry marks another step in Al-Rajhi’s gradual comeback to international competition after the accident he suffered with his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk at Baja Jordan last April, which forced them both out of action for nearly five months. Having regained harmony and race sharpness during the shorter Baja in Portugal, the Portuguese Rally-Raid now represents their first true long-distance challenge since returning.

The rally will cover a total of 2,160 km, including 1,405 km of timed stages, spread across five main stages in addition to a spectacular opening prologue. Starting from Grândola, the rally will traverse regions in both Portugal and Spain, including Alentejo, Ribatejo, and Spanish Extremadura, before concluding in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

The bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal is the first stop on this year’s W2RC calendar and also the only European round in the championship, giving it a unique identity and presenting competitors with a very different challenge compared to the vast desert terrains of rallies such as Dakar, Abu Dhabi, and Morocco. Its narrow, technical, and gravel-based tracks demand precision and adaptability, pushing both man and machine to the limit.

Al Rajhi commented, “My participation in Baja Sharish was an important rehabilitation step after months away. Now, Timo and I feel more prepared to take on a long-distance event like Rally-Raid Portugal. This round is a key part of my gradual return, and my goal is to be fully ready ahead of Dakar 2026.”

The Saudi champion also extended his gratitude to his official partner, Jameel Motorsports, praising their ongoing support: “Their sponsorship is a cornerstone of my journey in rallying, enabling me to compete strongly on the global, regional, and national stages.”

With his entry in Portugal, Yazeed Al Rajhi continues his progressive comeback program, which also includes Rallye du Maroc in October, as well as Baja Qassim and Baja Jeddah in Saudi Arabia – all part of a comprehensive preparation plan to defend his historic Dakar 2026 title.