HAIL, 8 February 2006 — Under the supervision of Prince Saud ibn Abdul Mohsen, governor of Hail region and chairman of the organizing committee, the Hail Rally (Tahadi Al-Noufouz Al-Kabeer) roared off in style yesterday in Al-Moujoah region with 51 drivers from around the Gulf entered and watched by hundreds of spectators.
After the speech of the prince, all the drivers made their way besides Al-Mogwah parking, before driving to the starting point at Gebah city for the 425 km first special stage to Hail and back.
The two-day rally finishes today at Al-Mougwah parking where the winners will be honored . The winner will receive a cash prize of SR75,000, first runner-up SR50,000, second runner-up SR30,000 and third runner-up SR20,000.
During Monday’s pre-competition exhibition race, Toyota Rally Abdullah Al-Dosari was the first to start in Toyota Rav 4 in an exciting show that delighted the spectators. He clocked 2.11.
“The organizing of this rally and the return of Toyota rally team is an important step in the development of motorsport in the Kingdom. I hope that our team wins the title ,” Al-Dosari said.
Back in the rally scene after a five-year absence, Qatar’s Hamad Al-Thani in a Nissan Patrol, was in second position with 2.09 in a deadheat with Sultan Hamdi, one of Toyota rally team members and the winner of the last Toyota cup Middle East 2004.
Sultan said: “From the beginning and after the announcement of Hail as the venue of the rally, I started my physical and technical training to be ready, not only to participate but also to win and to complete my victories.”
Majed Al-Gamdi, Toyota rally champion and the winner of Toyota cup Middle East three times, topped the field of starters for the exhibition event.
With co-driver Amro Al-Refai in a Toyota Land Cruiser posted a winning time of 2.07.
The initial success gave Al-Gamdi the psychological boost in the grueling battle among some of the region’s best drivers.
Meantime, Prince Khalid ibn Sultan Al-Faisal expressed his happiness to participate in Hail Rally and to join Toyota Rally Team. He said: “My participation won’t be for a picnic but I want to achieve one of my dreams which is to participate in this rally for the first time on my homeland and to win. I hope that thing go my way to achieve my aim.”
For his part former Saudi rally ace Abdullah Bakhashab expressed his optimism with the return of Toyota rally team. Bakhashab said each of the Rav 4 cars would be ready to win.
