FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem hails Saudi achievement in boosting Dakar Rally and FIA World Rally-Raid Championship
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised Saudi Arabia for strengthening the global stature of the Dakar Rally and providing renewed momentum to the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), as the legendary event approaches its 48th edition finale.
Speaking ahead of the rally’s closing stages this weekend, Ben Sulayem highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in reinforcing the Dakar Rally’s reputation as one of the most demanding and dramatic events in international motorsport. He noted that both the Dakar and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship are well positioned to continue their growth in scale, competitiveness, and global appeal.
The opening round of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship has drawn a record 72 entries, reflecting rising interest in cross-country rallying. This year’s event also marks the launch of the new FIA Master Drivers’ Championship and welcomes Defender as a new manufacturer, further strengthening the championship’s competitive landscape.
Ben Sulayem is scheduled to be welcomed on Friday by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), who will accompany him on a visit to sections of the rally route. The FIA President will also address competitors and guests at the Dakar Rally’s official closing ceremony on Saturday evening.
“The Dakar Rally continues to go from strength to strength, with record numbers of entries, new manufacturers, and ever-increasing competition in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, reflecting the continued global growth of motorsport,” Ben Sulayem said.
“As one of the most iconic and demanding events in world motorsport, this year’s rally has once again demonstrated the region’s role as a key platform for motorsport development and innovation.”
He extended his congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation for delivering what he described as a world-class event for competitors, fans, and stakeholders.
Joining the FIA President during the visit is Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, who also underlined the championship’s positive trajectory. Wilson noted that the 2026 Dakar Rally highlights the growing strength of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, particularly with manufacturers such as Toyota, Dacia, and Ford expanding their involvement at the elite level.
He also welcomed Defender’s debut in the Stock category, describing it as a significant milestone for production-based competition within the championship. “As one of the most historic events in global motorsport, the Dakar Rally has once again delivered an impressive sporting spectacle for fans,” Wilson said.
