After Thursday’s timed prologue stage two special stages take place Friday with the Bakhashab Isuzu Team, bannered by Sultan Hamdi and Sami Al-Shammeri in a pair of D-Max models, looking to win the T2 category for the second time in four outings at the Rally Jeddah.

To kick off Friday’s action is the 138km opening selective section. After a morning service in Durrah, crews head to Al-Buraikat for the 11.15hrs start of a timed section that finishes near Buraukah.

A second 139km selective through the remote deserts in the Jeddah region starts at 12.25hrs and again finishes at Buraukah and precedes the finish celebrations in Obhur from 19.20hrs.

The prologue stage Thursday had 29 cars and 7 motorcycles in action.

“Everything is well-prepared, I hope to achieve successful results specially that the T2 Category includes expert names in the world of rallies, this is an indication that the competition will be a challenging one. We entered the prologue stage with specific tactical concepts and keenness; we thank Allah that the situation is so good and promising. Today the rally will be launched; we will adopt a special strategy to maintain an advanced level. Here I would like to express my thanks to the director of Bakhashab Isuzu Team, Abdul Rahman Al-Karaki, and all the team members. I hope to win the title and introduce it to all of them as a real sign of gratitude compensating them for the tremendous efforts and support they provide to us,” said Al-Shammeri.

On the other hand, Hamdi has expressed his happiness that he has successfully passed the three-kilometer prologue stage. He said: “I hope to show a marvelous performance in this important rally; every stage needs a high level of concentration and strict compliance with the instructions to achieve the targeted success without a single botch.”