Saudi’s Yazeed Al-rajhi Makes History with Maiden Dakar Rally Victory
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al-Rajhi etched his name into motorsport history by becoming the first Saudi driver to win the prestigious off-road endurance race. The 43-year-old crossed the finish line with a commanding lead of four minutes and 33 seconds over his closest rival,South Africa’s Henk Lategan. Simultaneously occurring, in the bike category, Daniel Sanders of the Red Bull KTM team secured his victory, maintaining his lead throughout the competition.The 12-stage race, which concluded yesterday, was a test of endurance, skill, and determination. Al-Rajhi’s triumph was especially significant as it marked the first time a Saudi driver has won the Dakar Rally since the event moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020. The rally, previously held in South America for a decade, has found a new home in the Middle East, and Al-Rajhi’s victory has cemented the kingdom’s growing influence in the motorsport world.
The final stage, a shorter 61-kilometer special, saw Lategan make a fast start, but the South African was unable to close the gap on Al-Rajhi, who maintained his composure and pace to secure the win. At the finish line, Al-Rajhi was greeted with a hero’s welcome as his colleagues lifted him onto their shoulders in festivity.
“I am very happy to achieve this victory,” Al-rajhi said.“It is not an easy race, but it is the most difficult race I have run in 11 years.” His words reflect the grueling nature of the Dakar Rally, often described as one of the toughest motorsport events in the world.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Dakar Rally
Table of Contents
| Category | Winner | Runner-Up | margin of Victory |
|———————|———————–|———————|————————|
| Car Category | Yazeed Al-Rajhi (KSA) | Henk Lategan (RSA) | 4 minutes, 33 seconds |
| Bike Category | Daniel Sanders (AUS) | N/A | Maintained lead |
Al-Rajhi’s victory is not just a personal milestone but also a historic moment for saudi Arabia. The kingdom has been investing heavily in motorsport, and this win underscores its emergence as a hub for international racing events. The Dakar Rally, with its challenging terrain and demanding conditions, has become a showcase for the region’s growing capabilities in hosting world-class competitions.
As the dust settles on this year’s rally, fans and analysts alike are already looking ahead to the next edition. Will Al-Rajhi defend his title? Can Lategan or another challenger rise to the occasion? One thing is certain: the Dakar Rally continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and Saudi Arabia’s role in its future is only set to grow.
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Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s historic Dakar Rally Win: A Turning Point for Saudi Motorsport
In a landmark moment for Saudi Arabia and the world of motorsport, Yazeed Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi driver to win the dakar Rally in 2025. his victory not only marks a personal triumph but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international racing.To delve deeper into the significance of this achievement, we sat down with Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori, a renowned motorsport analyst and professor of sports management at King Saud University, to discuss the implications of Al-Rajhi’s win and the future of motorsport in the region.
The Significance of al-Rajhi’s victory
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for joining us. Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s win is being celebrated as a historic moment for Saudi Arabia. What does this victory mean for the kingdom’s motorsport ambitions?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. Al-Rajhi’s win is a monumental achievement,not just for him personally but for Saudi Arabia as a whole. It’s a testament to the kingdom’s commitment to developing motorsport as a key pillar of its Vision 2030 initiative. This victory showcases Saudi Arabia’s ability to compete on the global stage and reinforces its position as a hub for international racing events.
Senior Editor: The dakar Rally is known for its grueling conditions. What does it take for a driver like Al-Rajhi to succeed in such a demanding race?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: The Dakar Rally is arguably the toughest motorsport event in the world. It requires not only remarkable driving skills but also immense physical and mental endurance. Al-Rajhi’s ability to maintain composure and pace over 12 stages, often in extreme conditions, speaks volumes about his readiness and determination.His team’s strategy and support were also crucial in securing this win.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Motorsport
Senior Editor: Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in motorsport in recent years. How has this investment paid off, and what does Al-Rajhi’s win signify for the future?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: Saudi Arabia’s investment in motorsport has been strategic and far-reaching. From hosting the Dakar Rally since 2020 to building state-of-the-art racing facilities, the kingdom has positioned itself as a global leader in the industry. Al-Rajhi’s victory is a direct result of these efforts.It not only inspires young Saudi drivers but also attracts international attention, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premier destination for motorsport events.
Senior Editor: The Dakar Rally has found a new home in Saudi Arabia after a decade in South America. How has this move impacted the event and the region?
dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: The move to Saudi Arabia has been transformative for the Dakar Rally. The kingdom’s diverse terrain,from deserts to mountains,provides a unique and challenging backdrop for the race. Additionally, the infrastructure and hospitality offered by Saudi Arabia have elevated the event’s global appeal. this has not only benefited the rally but also boosted tourism and economic activity in the region.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Dakar Rally and Saudi Motorsport
Senior Editor: as the dust settles on this year’s rally, what can we expect in the coming years? Will Al-Rajhi defend his title, and who might emerge as his biggest challenger?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: The dakar Rally is always full of surprises, and next year will be no different. Al-Rajhi will undoubtedly aim to defend his title, but competitors like Henk Lategan and others will be eager to dethrone him. The competition will only get tougher, which is great for the sport and its fans. As for Saudi Arabia, I expect the kingdom to continue its upward trajectory in motorsport, hosting more world-class events and nurturing homegrown talent.
senior Editor: what message does al-Rajhi’s victory send to aspiring drivers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: Al-Rajhi’s win is a powerful message to young drivers that with dedication, hard work, and the right support, they too can achieve greatness on the global stage. It’s a source of pride and inspiration, not just for Saudi Arabia but for the entire Middle East. The future of motorsport in the region is bright, and Al-Rajhi’s victory is just the beginning.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansoori,for your insights. It’s clear that Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s win is a milestone for Saudi Arabia and a sign of even greater things to come in the world of motorsport.
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