A testament to Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in motorsport, showcasing local talent and world-class events aligned with Vision 2030.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 30 November 2024: This weekend, the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit celebrated a proud moment for Saudi motorsport as four Saudi drivers competed in the GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club, a highlight of the SAL Jeddah GT 2024 held on 29th and 30th November. Representing the Saudi Racing Team and driving Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4s, the drivers showcased their talent on the global stage.
Fahad Algosaibi and Bandar Alesayi competed in car number 26 in the Pro-Am category. Algosaibi, a Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy champion (2019), is well-regarded for his top finishes in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. His teammate, Alesayi, boasts multiple podiums in the same series, including a second-place finish in the 2011/2012 season.
In the Am category, car number 28 featured Reema Juffali, Saudi Arabia’s first professional female racing driver, and motorsport pioneer Ahmed Bin-Khanen. Juffali, who has competed in the BRDC British F3 Championship and was the first Saudi woman to race internationally on home soil, added to her accolades by securing a class victory at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. Bin-Khanen, the first Saudi to compete in the FIA World Touring Car Cup and winner of the GT Academy Middle East in 2014, also has a strong record in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
The Saudi team expressed their determination to excel in this landmark event, supported by the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Their efforts paid off as Juffali and Bin-Khanen made history with a podium finish in Race 2, taking third place in the Am category. This achievement highlights the growing prominence of Saudi drivers on the international stage and reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing local talent.
The participation of Saudi drivers in the GT4 European Series aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to empower youth, integrate them into global championships, and enhance their skills to represent the Kingdom at all levels. Such events inspire future generations and underline Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in international motorsport.
The SAL Jeddah GT 2024 also featured the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS, a six-hour endurance race covering 1,000 kilometres and marking the longest circuit race in Saudi Arabia’s history. Together with the GT4 European Series, the event showcased the Kingdom’s capability to host world-class motorsport competitions, reinforcing its position on the global racing map.
