During the Dakar Rally, from January 15-18, the "Hail Rally" in Saudi Arabia will be back, organized by the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF). The rally is open for cars, bikes, side-by-sides and quads. In 2009 and 2010 the Hail Rally was part of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup - and the organizers hope to return to the international series.

"We are keen to organize a distinctive rally like in the previous years," said his Highness Prince Khaled Bin Sultan, president of the Saudi Union for cars and motorbikes. Saudi Arabia was known as the last country in the world, in which women were not allowed to drive. In 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman issued a decree allowing women to drive for the first time from June 2018. Today a requirement for the FIA to be candidate for the World Cup.

Timetable Hail Rally Saudi Arabia

Sat. January 13th, 2018: Scrutineering
Sun. January 14th, 2018: Scrutineering
Mon. January 15th, 2018: Opening Ceremony 
Tue. January 16th, 2018: First Special Stage
Wed. January 17th, 2018: Second Special Stage
Thu. January 18th, 2018: Third Special Stage, Prize Giving

Photo: SAMF

SAMF.GOV.SA

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