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Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 Kicks Off with Over 800 Competitors

Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA
Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA
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Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 Kicks Off with Over 800 Competitors

Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA
Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA

The Dakar Rally 2025, the largest and longest race in the world of motorsports, is set to kick off on Friday from Bisha, marking the sixth consecutive year the Kingdom hosts this thrilling event.
Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17 and is organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and supervised by the Ministry of Sport.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, emphasized that hosting the rally for the sixth consecutive time showcases the Kingdom's capabilities in organizing major sporting events.
He praised the Saudi leadership's unwavering support and highlighted the sports sector's commitment to implementing various programs and initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
The minister said this year's rally features a diverse array of stages, with competitors facing off over a total distance of 7,737 km, including 5,129 km of special stages starting in Bisha. Participants will embark on an adventurous journey through the landscapes of Al Hanakiyah, AlUla, Hail, Al Dawadmi, Riyadh, and Haradh before heading to the last stop in Shubaytah.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki extends a warm welcome to all participants, wishing them success and an unforgettable experience in the Kingdom's stunning scenery and vibrant nature.

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Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
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Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)

Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, but one of the sport's most established races is set to be dropped from the schedule in 2028 and 2030.

The extension starting from next year includes races only in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, F1 said Wednesday.

F1’s push in recent years to expand the schedule with more races in the United States and Asia has meant more competition for traditional venues in Europe seeking to keep their places on the calendar.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favorite with many drivers for its flowing high-speed layout through forested hills, was on the F1 schedule for the first championship season in 1950 and has been on the calendar every year since 2007.

"The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1."

This year's Belgian Grand Prix race weekend is from July 25 through 27, including a sprint race.