KUWAIT CITY, March 17: The Gulf region is emerging as an important motor sport destination as countries are increasingly supporting their racers with world class circuits and other modern facilities, says Yazeed Al Rajhi, racing champion and the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Al Rajhi is in Kuwait for the second round of Middle East Rallies, 2013, on March 21, Thursday, and gave this exclusive interview to the Arab Times a few days ago through an interpreter.

The Kuwait leg of the rallies will witness heavy competition as the best champions, more than 30, from the region are taking part in it. Kuwait Rally is Al Rajhi’s pet favorite, “as I achieved the title in 2008.” Al Rajhi had participated in Kuwait International Rally 2010, which went badly for him though. This year’s rally is an opportunity to correct that record, and Rajhi is keenly looking forward to achieving this year’s title. The Gulf championships are on par with world-class racing tournaments in terms of security and other racing systems that are in place.

The UNICEF Ambassador hailed the efforts of the GCC states to support their champions with the right infrastructure and technologies to enable performance to the fullest potential.
Further Al Rajhi noted that the region is generating top class racers who are capable of making their marks in international tournaments like FIA. The financial support provided by the governments in the region is a big help because motor sport is a very costly affair, even at mediocre levels.
It is interesting that these comments are coming at a time when motor sport enthusiasts in Kuwait are complaining of neglect by the authorities. The lack of a racing circuit, which is basic to any racing program, testifies to this reality.

Al Rajhi recently had the opportunity to take part in the new version of the international electronic world rally championship 2012 organized by Milestone, launching the third version of “WRC 3” Play station. This was Saudi Arabia’s first step into the world of electronic games.
Al Rajhi was chosen for his excellent track records at international levels, and concluded the season taking the third place in the general ranking by SWRC. He is the first Arab driver to achieve this result.
Al Rajhi was born in 1981, and was introduced to rally sports in 2007 at the International Jordan Rally, where he drew much media attention with his brilliant performance. Consistency is his hallmark, and the regional press praises him for his high motivation and enthusiasm.

He sees as the highpoint of his illustrious career so far his selection by UNICEF in 2008 as the Goodwill Ambassador to KSA.
Al Rajhi is a strong contender for the WRC2 title. His amazing performance at the recently concluded Swedish rally 2013, which is the first round of world rally, is an indicator.
In Saudi Arabia, Al Rajhi is looked upon as the natural successor to homegrown champions like Mamdouh Khayat and Abdulah Bakhshab, who won prestigious titles at the Middle East Rally Championship in 1992 and 1995.

Al Rajhi is the favorite to win the Middle East Rally Championship 2013. This championship is one of the oldest tournaments organized in the region by FIA and has been going on since 1984.  Al Rajhi had some kind words to share about the Kuwaiti media, “which is playing an important role in creating greater awareness on this sport in the region.”
Among his other achievements, Al Rajhi has won the third place at the Spain Rally in 2012, second place in Finland Rally, 2012, second place at the International Astonia Rally, 2012, third place in Wales Rally, 2012, first place in Bahaa Hayel Rally, 2009, in which he covered 500 km in 6 hours, 50 min and 34 sec., and first place in Sharqia Rally, 2008.

By Valiya S. Sajjad - Arab Times Staff