Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship concludes Round 1 

The opening round of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, certified by the FIA, concluded on Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit. (Supplied)
The opening round of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, certified by the FIA, concluded on Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 October 2025
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Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship concludes Round 1 

Opening round of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship concluded Sunday at Bahrain International Circuit.

MANAMA: The opening round of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, certified by the FIA, concluded on Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit.

ALTAWKILAT Motorsport promoted the event under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

The second and final race of the round delivered an exceptional level of competition, characterized by skillful driving and intense battles until the very last moment. At the end of the race, Elsa Cammilleri, sporting coordinator, single-seater junior categories, presented the first-place trophy to Emirati driver Adam Al-Azhari (Valvoline), while Fiona Rees, head of sporting for the championship, awarded the second-place trophy to Emirati driver Theo Palmer (JACO). Mohammed Al-Dossari, CEO of Teleios X, presented the third-place trophy to Dutch driver Nina Gademan (CARAAGY).

Cammilleri also presented the Best Female Driver Award to Gademan in recognition of her outstanding performance over the weekend. Jonathan Wells, motorsport manager for the Middle East, Africa and India region at Pirelli, presented the Best Rookie Award to Thibaut Ramaekers.

Earlier in the day, the second qualifying session brought an atmosphere of excitement and close competition among the drivers. The session saw Al-Azhari secure pole position, followed by Palmer in second, Ramaekers (Zahid) in third, American driver Ava Dobson (PEAX) in fourth, and Kit Belofsky (PEAX) rounding out the top five on the grid.

The Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship reflects SAMF’s ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering young national talent by creating a competitive environment that hones their skills and prepares them for participation in regional and international championships. It also underscores the federation’s dedication to positioning the Kingdom as a leading destination for motorsport and enhancing the international presence of Saudi drivers in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower youth and advance the country’s sports sector.

The championship calendar features five rounds in total, offering a dynamic season that showcases both regional and international circuits. The Bahrain International Circuit will also host the second round on Oct. 15–16, before the action moves to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the world’s fastest street circuit, for the third round on Nov. 10–11. The fourth round will take place on Nov. 14–15, leading to an exciting conclusion with the final round on Dec. 5–6, once again at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.


‘Battle of the Sexes’ pits Aryna Sabalenka against Nick Kyrgios

‘Battle of the Sexes’ pits Aryna Sabalenka against Nick Kyrgios
Updated 04 November 2025
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‘Battle of the Sexes’ pits Aryna Sabalenka against Nick Kyrgios

‘Battle of the Sexes’ pits Aryna Sabalenka against Nick Kyrgios
  • WTA world No. 1 Sabalenka vs. showman Kyrgios on Dec. 28
  • Game comes 52 years after Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs

DUBAI: WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and tennis showman Nick Kyrgios face-off in a competition billed as the “Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown” on Dec. 28.

The event at the Coca-Cola Arena has been organized by TLive, the sports and entertainment company, co-founding partner IM8, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Fifty-two years after the legendary 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, this contemporary edition unites two of tennis’ most compelling personalities, the organizers stated in a release on Tuesday.

Sabalenka said: “I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game. I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.

“Dubai is my home, and I know this city loves big, entertaining events. I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.”

Kyrgios said: “When the world No.1 challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion.

“But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play — I’m here to entertain. This is what I live for.”

Mark McFarlane, MD of TLive, said: “We’re bringing together two of tennis’ most compelling personalities for a night that celebrates skill, showmanship, and respect on and off the court.”