The momentum is building ! Following the launch of the Saudi Next Gen initiative, preparation for the second edition has generated strong enthusiasm, clearly reflecting the growing appetite of young Saudis for the Dakar. At the offices of the SAMF (Saudi Motorsports Federation), more than one hundred applications were reviewed to select the five crews invited to Yanbu with the goal of earning a place on the Dakar 2027. They have taken their first steps in karting, already gained experience in circuit racing, or tried their hand at rallying in rounds of the Saudi championship. The five drivers chosen for this second intake share a common background: they were immersed in motorsport from a very young age, but still have everything to learn when it comes to taking on a challenge like the Dakar. For the recruitment of aspiring co-drivers, the age limit was raised to 35 in order to welcome slightly more experienced profiles. In each role, a young woman has been selected to try her luck: Reem Al Aboud behind the wheel, and Shrooq Alamri in the right-hand seat.
The 5 drivers:
The 5 co-drivers:
INTO THE DEEP SANDS
Exceptionally, two crews were declared winners at the end of the first edition of Saudi Next Gen. They earned the privilege of competing in the Dakar 2026 in the SSV category, driving two Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbos prepared for them by the BE Racing team. Abdullah Al Shegawi and Raed Alassaf in car #434, and Hamza Bakhashab and Fahad Alamr in car #435, also benefited from a training camp in Morocco to continue their learning process. It is now up to them to follow in the footsteps of Yazeed Al Rajhi.
Source: ASO / Dakar
Photo: © A.S.O./ Samuel Decout
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