JEDDAH, 29 May 2007 — Sixteen drivers will take part in a two-day Mobily Karting Race 2007 1st round scheduled at Jeddah Raceway for two days from Thursday.

“All the final touches have been given to the venue for the launch of the first official karting race championship in Saudi Arabia,” ace rally driver Abdullah Bakhashab, the organizer of the event, told the media yesterday. “This race will act as the first step toward attracting and spotting talent among youth for future participants of F1 competitions.”

Expressing his confidence over making the event “completely similar to what happens in F1 races,” Bakhashab said there would be qualifying rounds before the event at 8:30 p.m. on the opening day to determine the places of every driver. The race will then start an hour later, at 9:30 p.m. “The race will be conducted on the basis of CIK-FIA rules,” Bakhashab said, adding that the organizers will choose the best cars for the tournament.

Bakhashab said that all participants would have to hold a license being issued by SATA locally on behalf of CIK. Also, all drivers will take part with their own cars. The participating race cars have all to be Italian made Fortex with 125 cc, one cylinder and 29 horse power engine.

The 1.10 km long racetrack has been specially prepared on an international level with the most modern equipment and competing drivers, who will be divided into groups, will have to complete 17 laps. “This will have to be done within 20 minutes,” he said. Detailing safety measures taken at the venue, Bakhashab said the most modern safety equipment had been provided in the interest of competing drivers and spectators. The competition is expected to draw thousands of motor sport fans who will be accompanied by their families, especially children. The participating teams will be Citroean, Mobile 1, Ten Zero, Rough Riders, Silver Shadow, Samorai, Al-Bir and Al Mohanad. Explaining the rules of the game, Bakhashab said participants would be awarded points after each lap. Mobily is the main sponsor of the championship, Bridgestone, In 10 so, Mobile 1 and Okaz newspaper as media sponsor.

Mohammad Kriediah of Citroen team clinched first place in the first official karting race in the Kingdom in 2006.