Hungarian Baja 2021:  Al-Rajhi in Hungary aiming to win the race

---The following interview was published by HunGarian Baja

What does come to your mind if you hear: HunGarian Baja?

This will be my first time competing in Hungary and I’m looking forward to it eagerly.

Do you know anything about the country and the Hungarian drivers?

Yes, I watch F1 and I know the Hungarian GP. Hungary is a beautiful country and I love its charming nature.

Do you like the sprint races? 

It's great to experience everything in motorsport.

What do you expect from the HunGarian Baja?

I’m expecting a great competition with myself. I’m also expecting to lead the championship points.

Is this race a kind of preparation for the Dakar?

Every race we do in rally whether it’s Cross Country Baja or Cross Country is a part of the preparation for Dakar 2022 mentally, physically, and for the machine.

What is your plan for this year and for the next Dakar?

My plan is to win Dakar in my homeland especially when the new regulation is applied to our Toyota cars.

What does it mean to you to host the Dakar in his home country?

It’s an honor that Dakar Rally is hosted by my country. It’s the best feeling. Everyone loved the landscape and the nature we have here. The warm welcoming and the hospitality of my people. Can’t wait to see all my Dakar fellas at home next year especially the rest day it will be in Riyadh, the capital city, where I live. I had a great experience when I host all Dakar Competitors in my casual in the first Dakar in Saudi, 2020. It was fun!

Did the popularity of the cross country rally grow up in the last 3 years in Saudi?

The popularity of the sport has been growing in Saudi since 2006 as Hail International Rally has promoted and encouraged the various social and economic aspects of the continuation of this pioneering experience, especially when Hail Rally was officially approved by the International Motor Sport Federation as one of its official World Cup in Cross Country Baja in the following year, in 2007. I won 5 times here and I still hold the records.

The cross country world cup becomes a world championship from next year. How does it affect our sport?

It’s the best this that ASO & FIA have done, we will be similar to the other FIA championship like F1 Formula E and WRC. It’s a huge step for our sport after waiting for so long.

Source: HunGarian Baja