Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – August 28, 2026: The opening day of Round 1 of the 2026 Saudi Toyota Championship Time Attack concluded Friday evening at Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with competitors completing free practice ahead of Saturday’s official timed runs.
The championship is held under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the owner of the competition, and is managed by Bakhashab Motorsport in partnership with Jameel Motorsport, the championship’s official partner.
The opening round began Thursday with administrative checks and technical scrutineering for participating vehicles, ensuring compliance with the approved technical regulations and safety requirements. The day also included a drivers’ photo session.
A total of 107 male and female competitors registered for the opening round, with 74 competitors successfully completing technical scrutineering and qualifying to compete across 11 categories, in addition to the Ladies Cup.
Friday’s programme began with the mandatory drivers’ briefing at 5 p.m., attended by race officials and stewards. The briefing covered the competition regulations, procedures, safety requirements, and key instructions ahead of the on-track sessions.
Free practice followed at 6 p.m., with one session allocated to each category. The sessions provided competitors with an opportunity to further familiarise themselves with the course, evaluate vehicle performance, refine braking points, and optimise their racing lines ahead of Saturday’s timed competition.
Official competition will continue on Saturday, with the first competitive run scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by the second run at 7:45 p.m. Competitors will aim to set the fastest possible lap time during the two runs, with the final classification in each category determined by the fastest recorded time.
The opening round will conclude at midnight with the podium ceremony, where awards will be presented to the winners across the various categories.
The Saudi Toyota Championship Time Attack is an individual motorsport competition conducted on a designated course within the circuit. Unlike conventional circuit racing, competitors do not race directly against one another through starting positions or overtaking. Instead, each driver competes against the clock, with the fastest recorded time determining the final classification, while all competitors are required to follow the prescribed route and comply with the championship’s safety regulations.
The championship forms part of Saudi Arabia’s expanding motorsport calendar and provides a competitive platform for both established and emerging drivers to develop their skills and compete in a structured, professionally regulated environment.
ENDS
About the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation
Founded in 2006, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before leading international motorsport organisations, including the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), and the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA).
The federation is responsible for regulating, organising, and developing automobile and motorcycle sport in the Kingdom and internationally through the implementation of sporting regulations, technical standards, and safety requirements. It also supports the development of national talent and works to enhance competitive performance across motorsport disciplines.
SAMF plays a key role in bringing major international motorsport events to the Kingdom, contributing to the organisation and hosting of globally recognised competitions including Formula 1, Formula E, the Dakar Rally, and the FIA World Rally Championship, among others.
Through these initiatives, SAMF continues to support the growth of motorsport in Saudi Arabia and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination for international motorsport and automotive events.
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