- 05
- Dec.
- 2024
Saudi driver Dania Akeel achieved a remarkable feat by securing the title of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup during the Dubai International Baja held this past weekend. A historic victory that marks a turning point in motorsport in the Middle East.
An impressive journey
Dania Akeel succeeded in clinching the title in this prestigious regional series by participating in four rounds across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Dubai. By accumulating enough points, she won the championship and also triumphed in the Ultimate category. Her journey was marked by consistent and strong performances at each event.
"The FIA Middle East Baja Cup was a very exciting season. At first, I didn't plan to participate in the whole championship. I took part in the Ha’il Baja as part of the Saudi Championship, and I registered for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup to see where it would take me," Akeel explained after the event.
She started her season with solid results in the Ultimate category thanks to a Toyota Hilux from the Overdrive Racing team. After the first two rounds, she even took the lead in the standings during the Qatar event, before switching to the SSV category for the final two rounds, a strategic decision that paid off.
Strategic decisions that paid off
During the finale in Dubai, Akeel once again demonstrated her tactical skill. By switching categories and driving a Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR from the South Racing team, she secured a stunning victory. "After racing in SSV, we won the race in Dubai and secured the overall title. It was an exciting championship, and there were many elements to consider. It wasn’t just about the team and logistics, but also thinking about the best way to maximize our points to win the overall title," the driver stated after the race.
A historic success
This remarkable victory in the final not only allowed Akeel to win the SSV category title but also made her the first woman to win this competition in the Middle East, thus breaking an important barrier in the world of motorsport. "I am very happy to have won the Ultimate category title, but our main goal was to win the overall title. It’s a very special moment for me and for all women in motorsport," she added.
This success highlights Akeel's progress, as she continues to push boundaries and set new benchmarks for women in motorsport, especially in the Middle East region.
She now turns her attention to the final round of the Saudi Championship, the Jeddah Rally, scheduled for December 19-21, another major challenge for the Saudi driver.
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