Bisha, Saudi Arabia, January 6, 2025: The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, through the Saudi Next Gen Program together with the Dakar Organization under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, have announced the selection of two crews to participate in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026.
Drivers Hamza Bakhashab and Abdullah Alshegawi, along with their navigators Raed Alassaf and Fahad Alamr, have been selected as the Kingdom’s representatives for the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s most demanding and prestigious sporting events. Their selection follows great performances and relevant progress during rigorous training and competitions, marking a significant step in the Vision 2030 initiative to support and develop Saudi talents in motorsports.
The selection process involved rigorous evaluations, including theoretical and practical training sessions, as well as field tests led by motorsports experts. The program was conducted under the direct supervision of Italian driver Edo Mossi, a four-time Dakar finisher, alongside program ambassadors Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Yasir Bin Seaidan, and Mishaal Al-Ghneim.”
In the months ahead, these four talents will undergo comprehensive preparation, including specialized training on desert terrains, guidance from a seasoned technical team, and logistical support from the organizing entities. They will also compete in national-level championships to refine their racing skills and build competitive experience, ensuring they are fully prepared and ready for the Dakar Rally.
On this occasion, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company, stated:
“We are proud today to announce the winners of the ‘Saudi Next Gen Program,’ who will have the opportunity of participating in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, one of the most challenging and renowned races in the world.”
HRH added: “This initiative is not merely a competition but a part of Saudi Vision 2030. It is a opportunity to prepare a new generation of exceptional Saudi drivers who will lead motorsports in the Kingdom to new horizons. Today, we witness the results of the remarkable efforts made by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, together with the Dakar Organization under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, to create a unique experience for the next generation of Saudi drivers, helping them develop their skills and capabilities in the world of rally racing.”
This announcement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to advance motorsports and nurture a new generation of Saudi drivers ready to compete globally. The ‘Saudi Next Gen Program‘ is a key initiative within this vision, aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a premier destination for motorsports while inspiring Saudi youth to pursue their dreams in the field. The program’s remarkable success this year promises its continued growth as a legacy project for the rest of the world to adopt.
The Saudi Next Gen Program debuted this year, featuring five nominated drivers: Hamza Bakhshab, Abdullah Alshegawi, Fahad Al-Murmesh, Marihan Al-Baz, and Fatima Banaz and their navigators: Fahad Alamr, Raed Alassaf, Hussam Al-Zahrani, and Waleed Alshegawi. These drivers participated in rigorous training sessions in Bisha from December 31, 2024, to January 5, 2025, under the guidance of former Italian driver Edo Mossi. The program included practicing with Yamaha SSV vehicles, navigating five stages designed in the desert rally style traversing through different terrains.
