JEDDAH, 18 January 2008 — Saudi Rally Driver Ahmed Alsabban on Wednesday night launched the Toyota Alrabie Saudi Rally Team at a ceremony at Coral Beach Resort in north Obhur, Jeddah. This marks the team’s return to the Middle East Rally Championship after an absence of two years. The Saudi team will participate in the championship’s six rounds of the 2008 season.
Alsabban made the announcement in the presence of
Mishaal Al-Sudairy, chairman of Saudi Motor Sport Committee, and senior managers of companies sponsoring Alsabban’s return.
Alsabban is among the first generation of Saudi rally drivers who laid the foundations for motor sport in the Kingdom, and witnessed the rise of the globally recognized Saudi champions, including Mamdouh Khayyat and Abdullah Bakhashab, where he gained vast experience through participation with them in the region’s most important Middle East Rally Championship.
After signing the sponsorship contract, Alsabban expressed his happiness for returning to the world of rallies in general and to the Middle East Rally Championship in particular. This is his 17th participation since he entered motor sport area in 1991; hence, he is breaking the records registered by Saudi rally drivers who participated in this championship, which is the most regarded championship at both regional and global levels.
His program includes participation in the six rounds of the championship starting with Qatar Rally, which kicks off on Jan. 22, followed by Cyprus Rally, Syrian Rally, Rally of Lebanon, Jordan Rally and the final round of the championship, Troodos Rally.
Alsabban unveiled his rally car model Corolla S 2000, which was equipped and prepared in the UK by TRD, the company specialized in preparation of Toyota cars for international races.
“After getting the finance and support from the most important companies in Saudi Arabia, I can say that I am back to the championship with hope and confidence to achieve good results, and to place the Saudi flag once again on the poles after such long time,” Alsabban added.
“My selection of Toyota Corolla S 2000 was based on results of many tests carried out by me and my assistant to explore its technical capabilities and performance. I do anticipate that on board such sophisticated car we shall achieve what we are looking for.”
Mohammed Ba-Hasan, PR manager at Abdul Latif Jameel, the sole dealer of Toyota cars in Saudi Arabia, stressed the importance of continuing to support the Saudi youth in programs related to motor sport, as Toyota has become synonymous with this sport for many years.
Mundhir Al-Harthy, general manager of Alrabie-Saudi Food Co. Ltd. (Alrabie juice), assured the company’s commitment to continue supporting the program of Alsabban, and his local and international participations.
“Toyota Alrabie Saudi Rally Team” will be the only Saudi team to participate in all rounds of the Middle East Rally Championship for this season, including Jordan Rally Middle East, which is a round of World Rally Championship,” he added.
