Latest news with #SaudiAutomobileandMotorcycleFederation
Leaders
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Gears Up for Formula 1 Team Ownership Soon
Saudi Arabia may soon acquire a Formula 1 team, signaling deeper investment in global motorsport, revealed Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF). Speaking ahead of Jeddah's Grand Prix, he confirmed active discussions, citing the sport's rapid commercial growth. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Premier League's Newcastle United and LIV Golf, could lead the acquisition. Prince Khalid emphasized profitability, stating, 'PIF entities invest strategically—Formula 1's rising global appeal aligns with our vision.' Recent reports suggest PIF has explored partnerships with mid-tier teams like Aston Martin or Williams. However, Prince Khalid explained that this could happen soon. ''It could happen, it could happen soon if you see the growth.' He added. Prince Khalid views team ownership as a smart business move. He noted, 'Formula 1 reaches new markets, sales are globally increasing.' Success matters too, he stressed, 'I'd like them to do it right and be successful.' This fits PIF's strategy of profitable sports investments worldwide. Strategic Expansion Aligns With Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia's motorsport push supports Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and boost tourism. Since hosting its first F1 race in 2021, Jeddah's event has drawn 150,000+ annual attendees, generating $200M+ in local revenue. Formula 1's value soared under Liberty Media, with teams now valued at $1.3B on average. Saudi entry could mirror Abu Dhabi's success with Red Bull Racing, leveraging sponsorship and technical collaborations. While Prince Khalid acknowledged complexities in team selection and management, he hinted at imminent developments. 'Hosting races and sponsoring teams lays the groundwork—expect announcements soon,' he stated. Critics question Saudi Arabia's motorsport investments amid climate concerns. However, F1's 2030 net-zero pledge and Saudi's NEOM EV initiatives aim to align racing with environmental goals. Short link : Post Views: 3
Asharq Al-Awsat
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince Receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Winner of 2025 Dakar Rally
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Thursday Yazeed Al-Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia in the car category. Al-Rajhi is the first Saudi driver to achieve this monumental feat in the world's most renowned rally. Meeting at the at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Crown Prince Mohammed congratulated Al-Rajhi on his victory, stressing that his achievement should be motivation for Saudi athletes. Al-Rajhi expressed his deep gratitude to the Crown Prince for the reception, which embodies his keenness, interest, and support for all athletes. The meeting was attended by Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz.
Asharq Al-Awsat
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hail Region Governor Launches Hail Toyota International Rally 2025
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region, Hail Region Development Authority Chairman, and Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 supreme organizing committee chairman, officially launched the start of the rally on Thursday. During the opening ceremony, Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) vice president Feher Alshareif delivered a speech highlighting the generous support from the Kingdom's leadership in promoting sports and solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for motorsports. He said that the Hail Toyota International Rally, now in its 20th edition, is a significant milestone in the world of rallying, featuring four major championships: the World Baja Championship, the Middle East Baja Championship, the Asia Motorcycle Championship, and the Saudi Toyota Championship. He emphasized that since its launch in February 2006, the rally has become one of the premier motorsports events in the region, attracting elite drivers from around the world and experiencing substantial growth in recent years. As part of his visit, the governor of Hail toured the Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 Security Operations Center and the Al-Maghwa Security Point.
Arab News
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 begins in Saudi Arabia
HAIL: The 20th edition of the Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 got underway on Thursday with a ceremonial start in Hail City. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Hail Region Gov. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, alongside Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, flagged off the competitors at Al-Maghwah Amusement Park, marking the official launch of the rally. The competition proper begins on Friday morning, featuring more than 116 vehicles across multiple categories. The car category alone includes 77 competitors, with 32 local participants competing in the Saudi Toyota Championship, 38 international drivers and seven contenders in the Legends category. Additionally, 39 competitors will take on the demanding terrain in the motorcycle category, including six in the quads division. The rally's challenging course cuts across a variety of terrains, including the vast Nafud Al-Kabir desert, renowned for its towering sand dunes, rugged trails and striking landscapes. Several leading drivers and riders attended the official pre-event press conference on Thursday, including Saudi rally champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi, fresh off his Dakar Rally 2025 victory, alongside Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, Saudi drivers Dania Akeel and Saleh Al-Saif, among other top competitors. A special Legends of Rally press conference was also held, where Prince Khalid bin Sultan announced his return to competitive racing after 18 years. 'My competition with champion Abdullah Bakhashab will be fierce, and I hope to deliver a performance worthy of the fans' expectations, even though I am participating as an honorary competitor,' he said. Bakhashab, in response, said: 'I will do whatever it takes to secure victory and showcase my extensive experience against Prince Khalid. I'm prepared for all scenarios — winning is my goal.' Omani rally driver Hamad Al-Wahaibi expressed his enthusiasm at taking part. 'I'm thrilled to be in Hail and competing in this race, which brings together legends — some of whom I've faced in past events,' he said. Saudi rally driver Ahmed Al-Sabban echoed similar sentiments: 'This will be an incredible race with an elite lineup. The Hail Rally holds some of my best career memories, and I'm fully prepared.' Hail native Farhan Al-Shammari, who won the inaugural Hail Rally 20 years ago, is eager to reclaim the title: 'Racing on my home turf, in front of my fans, is a great honor. I will give my all to win the title again, two decades after my first victory.' Four-time Hail Rally champion Issa Al-Dosari also promised a thrilling competition. 'We are ready to deliver an exciting race for fans. This is a legendary event, and we are determined to put on a show worth watching,' he said. The Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the event and holds significant importance on the global motorsport calendar. It serves as the opening round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, as well as the inaugural round of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Additionally, it launches the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship and marks the first round of the Cross-Country Bajas World Cup for motorcycles.
