AMAL Abdullah may not be able to drive in Saudi Arabia, but she has represented her country from behind the wheel and the Kingdom’s first professional car racer.

Though these races remain dominated by men worldwide, Amal has come to Bahrain to prove to the entire world that Saudi females are capable and able to go for any challenge and succeed in it as well.

Such races in the Gulf Region take place only in highly equipped international circuits such as the Bahrain International Circuit. These races indeed demand highly confident participants and very patient competitors.

Amal, who has declined interviews outside of her country, spoke to Arab News about her passion and how she got to fulfill her dream.

When did it all start? How did you develop your love for racing cars?

Two years ago I drove a car outside my country and it was a wonderful experience. It is then that I started collecting all information about cars. I consulted car-racing officials. I collected information regarding the types of cars, their sizes, and their specifications. I then was able to participate in an international race, which was held in Bahrain two years ago.

Was your family against your participation in these races?

They went against these races only because they were worried about my safety and they wanted to preserve the traditions of my community. However they understand my love and passion toward this sport and encouraged me on the condition that I preserve my traditions and receive supervision from international teams. Still their fears rise up again when I race.

What did you do to develop your skills?

After I collected the information about the regulations and rules of the sport, I began developing my skills. I enrolled in six intensive courses at the Bahrain International Circuit. Through these courses I learned how to handle the car while racing.

What achievements have you attained so far?

I haven’t won anything yet. These races require time and lots of training. Now I have been able to represent my country internationally. I am also trying different cars in order to select one that I can drive and control well.

What car are you driving this season?

I was selected by General Motors to participate at the Thunder Arabia Lumina CSV Championship — Middle East. Though my participation was light I benefited a lot out of it. I thank the company for selecting me as the first woman competitor from Saudi Arabia.

What is so special about these races?

Thunder Arabia Lumina CSV Championship — Middle East is the first of its kind in the region that depends on the driver’s skills and capabilities to drive the car and control it without a partner. Therefore it demands concentration and high skills.

Which races do you like the most, and why?

My dream and ambition is to participate in Formula One races, to be the first Saudi and Arab woman there. Formula One is the most challenging; those who participate in it have lots of skill and qualifications.

What worries you before you go for any race?

I want to represent my country well. I pray, and I ask my mother to pray for me. The last thing I do before a race is check the car.

What are the problems or obstacles that you face?

There are no difficulties driving the car, and if there are I can overcome them by developing more skills. The problem that I face however is that my society does not allow or accept women participating these kinds of sports. And this has been a challenge for developing my skills. My family still worries about my safety and this is another barrier. One of the main problems is the lack of financial support either from companies or businessmen.

So how did you participate in these races then?

I get financial support from my family. I had to pay about SR200,000 in order to enter these races. Now General Motors has sponsored me.

Why do you race?

Beside my passion toward the sport, I look at my car and I see the Saudi flag posted on it: Doesn’t it deserve this effort? So I love the sport and I love my country. I feel so proud that the media is changing the image of the Saudi woman who is driving with the Saudi flag. I wish I could do more to my country.

How do you spend your time?

I don’t have any other interests other than driving. But I go to meet my family and friends. I also study; I am about to graduate from the university. I do lots of exercising about two hours a day, it is important for me as it keeps me fit and therefore able to drive well.

What do you think of the local interest in motor races?

I am positive and optimistic. I see that officials and the public are getting more aware and conscious about these sports, as evidenced by the decision to form the Saudi Committee for Cars and Motorbike Races, under the supervision of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare. We also have two circuits: The Jeddah Circuit and the Reem Circuit in Riyadh.