Saudi driver hopes for success in the Dakar Rally

RIYADH: In a few days, the world-famous Dakar Rally will start in Hail.

Taking part in the third edition of the race to be held in Saudi Arabia will be one of Kingdom’s leading lights in motorsports Dania Akeel, who familiarised herself with her chosen vehicle for Dakar in the Hail Rally earlier this month.

“My experience at the Hail Rally was excellent, as it came right before the Dakar Rally. I learned a lot from it and my car was performing at the highest level,” said Akeel.

Her attention is now firmly on the start of the Dakar Rally, which will take place over 12 stages from Jan. 1-14.

“I am looking to go beyond my boundaries as a driver, developing my skills, improving my speed and achieving good results,” said Akeel. “During the two weeks I will focus on reaching the finish line safely and in the smoothest way possible. This methodology, I hope, will generate positive results in regard to the rankings.”

Asked about the inaugural Rally Jameel, the women-only rally that will be held in the Kingdom in March next year, she said: “I am pleased about the Rally Jameel initiative and I am excited to participate. The idea of a navigation rally for women encourages female participation in the sport. It offers the chance for participants to get acquainted with Saudi Arabia’s beautiful and diverse terrain. It is also a great way to meet people who enjoy similar activities, which is one of my favourite things about sport in general.”