Al Rajhi dominates Dakar: historic first for Saudi Arabia

Yazeed Al Rajhi delivered a seismic victory at the 2025 Dakar Rally, claiming his place in motorsport history as the first Saudi to win the legendary event. This milestone, marking the pinnacle of rally-raid competition, also sees Al Rajhi become the first driver to secure a Dakar title on home soil, propelling Saudi Arabia into the global motorsport spotlight.

Driving his Overdrive-prepped Toyota Hilux through some of the planet’s most unforgiving terrains, Al Rajhi tackled 7,500 kilometers of dunes, rocky paths, and technical stages with precision and determination. Partnered with German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, the duo expertly navigated the rally’s 13 stages over 15 grueling days, which began in Bisha, crossed iconic Saudi landscapes—including the rest day in Hail—and concluded in the vast Empty Quarter.

A Rally Raid Masterclass

The 74th edition of the Dakar Rally tested competitors from the start, with the opening week featuring punishing sectors like the “Chrono 48” and the infamous “Marathon Stage.” Al Rajhi made a statement early, securing victory in Stage 4—his fourth career stage win at Dakar—showcasing his pace and skill among the world’s elite.

The second half of the rally saw Rajhi engaged in a high-octane battle with South African rival Henk Lategan of Toyota Gazoo Racing. While Lategan briefly reclaimed the overall lead in Stage 10, Al Rajhi fought back with a calculated offensive strategy, reclaiming the top spot in Stage 11 and maintaining his lead through the final kilometers. His flawless performance underscores his rally-raid prowess and unrelenting determination.

This win not only cements Al Rajhi’s legacy but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a global motorsport hub. Hosting the Dakar Rally for the fifth consecutive year, the Kingdom continues to deliver world-class rally-raid events, attracting the sport’s top talent and inspiring the next generation of Saudi racers.

Teamwork fuels victory

Al Rajhi credited his success to his co-driver and the entire Yazeed Racing team, particularly their media arm:

“Timo once again proved why he’s one of the best in the game, and I’m proud to have a world-class team behind me. Special thanks to Yazeed Racing’s media team for creating unparalleled coverage that amplifies our presence in the motorsport arena. Strong media backing is the secret weapon for any team, and they’ve helped showcase our journey and achievements in exceptional ways.”

Al Rajhi dedicated his victory to Saudi Arabia’s leadership, thanking King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support of sports and motorsports. He also expressed gratitude to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, for their efforts in elevating motorsports in the Kingdom. 

Finally, Al Rajhi thanked Jameel Motorsport for their invaluable support of Yazeed Racing, particularly in the Dakar Rally: “Their partnership is instrumental in conquering the toughest rally-raid in the world.”

The legacy continues

As the dust settles on Dakar 2025, Al Rajhi’s historic win not only breaks barriers but inspires Saudi Arabia’s motorsport ambitions. With his name now etched into Dakar history, Yazeed Al Rajhi stands as a symbol of resilience and a beacon for future Saudi champions.