“It’s thrilling to feel I am back again on the circuit rounds,” Bakhashab told a press conference on Monday. “It has been my desire to return and participate in such a great event organized in my country, especially when Hail has become a round of the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup and recognized by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).” He added: “In fact, I was dreaming to return to rallying for a long time but my circumstances, business and my interest specifically to motorsport in the Kingdom and my membership in the Saudi Motorsport Federation did not allow me to do so.”
Bakhashab had participated in Lebanon Rally 2003. In 2005 he lifted the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Before that he won two consecutive regional championship titles of Group ‘N’. Bakhashab is considered to be one of the most prominent and promising Arab drivers who has demonstrated his strong and effective presence in world rally championships through Toyota Saudi Rally Team.
“Bakhashab’s unexpected return will, no doubt, strengthen the team’s chance of success in the Hail Rally for the second time, and that’s because the extensive experience and talent that he has in driving, preparations and keeping his car in readiness,” Abdul Majed, a motor sport enthusiast said.
