10 Feb 2007
Hail, Saudi Arabia: The 2007 Hail Saudi Baja got underway in the city of Hail yesterday afternoon, marking the first time in history that an international motorsport event has been staged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
An international field of 28 cars were eventually flagged off from the Prince Sultan Entertainment Centre in Hail by Prince Saud Bin Abdul Mohsen Bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Hail, President of the Supreme Commission for Hail Development and the Head of the Supreme Commission of the Hail Rally.
Teams then headed straight into the opening two-km super special, adjacent to the start venue.
Numerous international television networks filmed the dramatic, history-making footage, while Saudi television beamed live images around the Arab world.
Renowned visitors
Among the visitors at the start were former Saudi Arabian rally star Abdullah Bakhashab, the UAE's multiple Middle East Rally champion Mohammad Bin Sulayem and the new Head of Kuwait's ASN, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Daoud Al Sabah.
Bakhashab, the 1995 FIA Middle East rally champion, is the most famous motor sport celebrity in Saudi Arabia. He has tackled rounds of the WRC for several seasons. He spoke, at the start in Hail, of his delight in seeing top-class motorsport in the Kingdom for the first time.
"I am absolutely delighted with the big changes we have had and the birth of this event in Hail," said Bakhashab.
"This is a major step forward for us. I would have liked to enter this year myself, but I am a member of the organising committee and so it was not possible."
Teams will tackle a challenging 261.1km selective section today and a shorter, but no less demanding, 198.60km section tomorrow. In a total route of 875.39km, 461.95km will be competitive before the official podium finish tomorrow.
By Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
