
AFTER HIS DAKAR TRIUMPH… YAZEED AL RAJHI MAKES HISTORY WITH HIS EIGHTH VICTORY IN HAIL
Hail, Saudi Arabia: Saudi motorsport icon extended his reign at the Hai Rally (Saudi Baja), clinching a record-breaking eighth victory in the event’s history. The rally, serving as the season opener for the 2025 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, ran from January 29 to February 1 and also marked Round 1 of the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship. This year’s edition carried special significance as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of the legendary Hail International Rally, a cornerstone of Saudi motorsport.
Teaming up with his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk for the sixth time in this event, Al-Rajhi piloted his Toyota Hilux to a commanding victory, setting the fastest cumulative time of 4 hours, 28 minutes, and 15 seconds, beating his closest rival, Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini. The Saudi-German duo successfully navigated the 815-kilometer route through the challenging terrain of North Reserve, completing the rally trouble-free thanks to the meticulous preparation by Overdrive Racing
With this historic achievement, Al Rajhi cements his status as the most successful Saudi driver in Hail Rally history, becoming the only Saudi to claim eight victories. Over his career, he has conquered the rally with five different manufacturers, including Toyota Hilux, demonstrating his exceptional adaptability to diverse challenges.
After conquering his first Dakar Rally victory in 2024, Yazeed Al Rajhi now shifts his focus to securing a third FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas title, aiming to achieve this prestigious milestone. Known for his exceptional car control, tactical racecraft, and relentless determination, Al Rajhi remains a powerhouse in global cross-country rallying. Expressing his joy after the victory, Al Rajhi said:
“First and foremost, I thank God for this achievement. Winning my eighth Hail Rally title is incredibly special, especially as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of this legendary event. Hail holds a special place in my heart, and competing in front of my home fans makes this win even more meaningful. The terrain was unforgiving, and the course was deceptively tricky, but we executed our strategy flawlessly and brought the car home safely. My co-driver, Timo Gottschalk, delivered an outstanding performance, and together, we secured this hard-fought victory.”
He also extended his gratitude to his strategic partner, Jameel Motorsport, for their unwavering support in both domestic and international competitions.