Grandola, Portugal – Following his participation in Baja Sharish, which he described as a crucial test of readiness after recovering from injury, Saudi and international rally star Yazeed Al-Rajhi is gearing up for a return to long-distance rallies at the Portugal Rally Raid “BP Ultimate.” The event, scheduled for September 22–28, forms the third round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
This entry is part of Al-Rajhi’s carefully planned, gradual comeback to global competition following the accident he suffered with his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk during Baja Jordan last April, which sidelined the duo for nearly five months. After regaining rhythm and confidence in the shorter Baja Sharish, the Portugal Rally Raid marks their first true long-distance challenge since their return.
The rally covers a total of 2,160 km, including 1,405 km of timed special stages across five main legs plus a prologue stage. Starting in Grandola, the event will traverse various regions in Portugal and Spain—such as Alentejo, Ribatejo, and Spain’s Extremadura—before concluding in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
The Portugal Rally Raid “BP Ultimate” serves as the opening round of the W2RC season and stands out as the championship’s only European event, offering a unique character and a distinct test for drivers. Unlike the wide-open desert terrains of rallies such as Dakar, Abu Dhabi, and Morocco, Portugal’s tracks are narrow, technical, and gravel-heavy, providing a demanding yet strategic challenge.
Al-Rajhi expressed his readiness, stating: “My participation in Baja Sharish was a vital step in my rehabilitation after months away. Now, Timo and I feel more prepared to tackle a long-distance rally like Portugal. This is part of my gradual return, and my ultimate goal is to reach full readiness ahead of Dakar 2026.”
The Saudi champion also extended his gratitude to his official partner, Jameel Motorsport, for their continued support, highlighting their role as a cornerstone of his strong presence in regional and international rallying.
With his participation in Portugal, Yazeed Al-Rajhi continues to build momentum on his comeback program, which also includes the Morocco Rally in October, as well as Baja Qassim and Baja Jeddah in Saudi Arabia—part of a comprehensive plan to defend his historic Dakar Rally title in 2026.
