Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette



 

JEDDAH — Preparations for the 2014 Jeddah Rally have entered their final stretch. With only a couple of days left for the starting flag to drop, organizers of the first-ever rally in Makkah Region are working full steam to put on a spectacular show, which will be held in Jeddah from Jan. 30 – Feb. 1.



Prince Sultan Bin Badr Al-Faisal, Head of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and General Supervisor of Rally Jeddah, said: “All committees’ final preparations are well-conducted for the rally’s launch on Jan. 30.



The opening ceremony and the spectator stage will be run in specifically dedicated location at Obhur. It is equipped with all facilities where people with their families can enjoy watching both the rally’s opening and final ceremonies.”



The man behind the race, Abdullah Bakhashab, Head of Rally Jeddah Executive Committee, said: “This is the first version of this rally that is scheduled to run for three exciting days covering a distance of 500km, while the special stages will cover 250 km. Stages two and three will take place at Kholais Governorate. We exerted all our efforts and dedication to provide a wonderful rally in cooperation with the security committees and other departments concerned.”



“I expect the spectators to enjoy a second-to-none rally where the international racers will compete for the title,” he added.



He noted that 38 vehicles are taking part in T1, T2, T3 and T4 categories in addition to the trucks which are participating for the first time in such motor rallies along side eight motorcycles.



“Everything is ready, and we hope to attain great successes in the coming years due to the support given by Rally Jeddah to the motor sport in the Kingdom. This will boost the support expected to come from the companies to the Saudi racers along with the deep concern shown by Prince Misha’al Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah, and Head of Rally Jeddah Organizing Committee,” he said.



The rally will be directed by Irishman Malcolm Niel along with his vice director Hamoud Al-Jabri. He is assisted by a qualified national technical team which will start receiving the participating racers Tuesday.