After his historic win at the Dakar Rally earlier this year, Saudi motorsport star Yazeed Al Rajhi returns to the dunes of the Empty Quarter to take on the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the second round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Partnered once again with his seasoned co-driver Timo Gottschalk, Al Rajhi will pilot a Toyota Hilux prepared by Overdrive Racing and backed by Jameel Motorsport.

This year’s edition introduces major route changes, with 50% of the course redesigned and the rally starting for the first time from Al Ain. The five-stage challenge, preceded by a prologue, will test competitors across towering dunes and a marathon stage before finishing in Abu Dhabi.

The Saudi-German duo, reunited in 2023, made an immediate impact by winning that year’s Abu Dhabi rally, a first for Al Rajhi. They followed up with a career-defining triumph at Dakar 2024, marking Al Rajhi’s first victory at the iconic event.

With 1,189 km of competitive stages across a total distance of 1,920 km, Al Rajhi is determined to continue his winning streak and strengthen his position in the W2RC standings.

“I’m thrilled to return to Abu Dhabi; the terrain is similar to Saudi Arabia’s, which makes me feel at home,” said Al Rajhi.

“After Dakar, my next goal is to win here and move closer to the world title. I’m also grateful for the continued support from Jameel Motorsport.”

Timo Gottschalk added:

“We know this terrain well, and we’re ready. After our success in Dakar, we’re aiming for another strong performance here in Abu Dhabi.”