https://arab.news/9tzkj
- Commanding performance in final round at Dubai International Baja
JEDDAH: Saudi motorsport sensation Dania Akeel etched her name into history on Tuesday, becoming the first female driver in the Middle East to win the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.
Akeel secured her title after a commanding performance in the final round at the Dubai International Baja, where she clinched the Ultimate category title and sealed her championship triumph.
Competing across all four rounds of the regional Baja rally championship in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Dubai, Akeel demonstrated remarkable consistency.
Partnering with different co-drivers and teams, she delivered podium finishes at every rally, amassing the points required to claim the prestigious championship title.
Akeel’s journey to victory began with third and first-place finishes in the opening two rounds with the Overdrive Toyota Hilux team, even leading the overall standings in Qatar after the first day.
In Baja Jordan, she achieved a strong second-place finish with the South Racing Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR team before making history with a triumphant performance in Dubai alongside the South Racing Can-Am team.
Akeel said: “The FIA Middle East Baja Cup was both exciting and challenging.
“Initially, I didn’t plan to compete in the entire championship but after a strong result in Baja Hail, we realized the potential and made the decision to pursue the full championship. Each rally brought unique challenges, but through careful strategy and teamwork we secured the Ultimate category and overall title.”
Akeel credited her success to her dedicated co-drivers Stephane Duple and Sebastien Delaunay and the support of teams such as Overdrive, South Racing, and SRT Racing.
She also acknowledged the backing of her sponsors, including Jameel Motorsport, Tamer Group, Hertz Saudi Arabia, Toyota Motor Oil, BFGoodrich Tires, Accelerom, and Red Bull Saudi Arabia.
The triumph not only marks a personal milestone for Akeel but also sets a new benchmark for female participation in motorsport across the region.
Looking ahead, Akeel will compete in the Toyota Jeddah Rally, the final round of the Saudi Rally Championship, scheduled to take place from Dec. 19-21.
Her historic season promises to inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia and beyond.