The eyes of motorsport fans around the world are turning to Saudi Arabia, where Saudi champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally , armed with the determination of a champion and boundless ambition. Al-Rajhi enters this edition with double the responsibility, as he seeks to defend his historic title won in the 2025 edition, an achievement that cemented his status as the first Saudi driver to reach the top of the podium in the Ultimate category of the world's toughest and most prestigious rally.
Maximum readiness and technical harmony
As part of his intensive preparations, Al-Rajhi confirmed the complete readiness of his car and technical team, noting that the team's morale is at its highest level. The Saudi champion is relying heavily on his excellent rapport with his experienced German navigator, Timo Gottschalk , as teamwork and strategic planning are the cornerstones of repeating this achievement and enhancing Saudi Arabia's distinguished presence in international competitions.
A challenging route and varied terrain
The 2026 Dakar Rally promises to be a unique event, characterized by its challenging nature and diverse geography. Scheduled to take place from January 3rd to 17th, the rally covers a total distance of 7,994 kilometers , including 4,840 kilometers of timed special stages. Starting and finishing in the coastal city of Yanbu, the rally comprises 13 competitive stages and one Super Special Stage, with a rest day in the capital city of Riyadh. Adding to the challenge this year is the inclusion of seven loop stages and two marathon stages, placing the drivers' physical fitness and the vehicles' mechanical readiness under intense scrutiny.
Dakar and the W2RC World Championship
Al-Rajhi's ambitions extend beyond simply winning the Dakar Rally; he also aims to fiercely compete for the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) . The Dakar Rally is the opening and most crucial round of the championship, meaning that scoring points there is a decisive step towards the world title. Al-Rajhi has already proven his mettle in previous seasons, finishing as runner-up twice and third in another since the championship's inception in 2022, and he has his sights set on gold this year.
Saudi Arabia: Home of World Rally Championships
This event further cements Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for motorsports. The Kingdom's diverse terrain, from golden sand dunes and rugged mountains to expansive coastlines, provides an ideal environment and a unique challenge unmatched anywhere else in the world. The continued hosting of the Dakar Rally is a testament to the Kingdom's remarkable organizational success and advanced infrastructure, bolstering the tourism and sports sectors within the framework of the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030.
Champion's statements
Commenting on the preparations, Yazeed Al-Rajhi said: “We are preparing for the 2026 Dakar Rally with great determination and a higher sense of responsibility after our achievement in 2025. Winning the title was a historic moment, but the real challenge today is defending it. The car is fully prepared, the team is working as one, and our goal has been clear from the start: to compete strongly for the win and achieve a perfect start in the W2RC World Championship.” He added: “Early preparation and working on the smallest technical and physical details gives us great confidence before the start. We know the competition will be tough, but we are entering the rally with a winning mentality, and we strive to deliver a complete season worthy of the Kingdom’s name and in line with our global ambitions.”.
