Riyadh, March 11, 2024

Wallan Trading Company racing team, led by Saudi drivers Mirhan Al-Baz and her assistant Faridah Abdullah, drove a Geely Tugella All-wheel drive vehicle to victory in the 4-cylinder (AWD4 category) during the third edition of the Jameel Rally. The team’s impressive performance also secured them the 24th place in the overall standings.

This event, held from March 4 to 8, was the first desert navigation rally dedicated to women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. Jameel Motorsport organized the rally with the support of the International Automobile Federation through the Women in Motorsport Committee and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

Geely / Wallan team made history as the first Chinese car company to participate in the Kingdom’s women’s car racing activity. The championship lasted five days, and 55 teams of 110 female drivers from 37 countries competed against each other. The participants had to cover 1,600 km, navigating challenging driving paths that included sand, rocks, stones, and mud. The race traversed through Ha’il, AlUla, Umluj, Yanbu, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.

Fahad Al-Wallan, Chairman Wallan Holding Company, said: “In line with Vision 2030, we are fully committed to creating a healthier, more active and diverse Saudi Arabia: a modern society that brings all people — no matter their gender, age or background — together to celebrate the very best of sports excellence, explore their passions and fulfil their potential. Our participation in Rally Jameel 2024 is in keeping with this goal. Together, with our partners, we aim to set our sports industry apart on the global stage, contributing to the transformation of the national economy and society as a whole.”

Alex GU, Managing Director, Geely Auto Middle East, said: “Our partnership with Wallan Trading Company is built on the strength of our shared values: most notably, our inclusive outlook, commitment to empowering women and Vision 2030-aligned approach. We are very pleased to have taken part in Rally Jameel 2024, advancing female participation in sports. That we were also able to make history by distinguishing GEELY Tugella as the first Chinese car to be driven in a Saudi female motorsport tournament only adds to our delight. We look forward to playing an even bigger role in unlocking Saudi Arabia’s potential as a leading sports destination.”

Falah Al-Jarba, Coach, Geely Tugella, said: “First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Mirhan Al-baz and Faridah Abdullah on their success. Their performance shines a light on Saudi motorsport talent, raising the bar for Saudi sports excellence. Flying the flag for the Kingdom, they serve as a positive example for more women and young girls who aspire to make history behind the wheel. Rally Jameel 2024 holds up a mirror to the potential of Saudi motorsports and sports as a whole, giving us so much to look forward to. Of course, the competition also showcased the engineering ingenuity of Geely, with the impressive Geely Tugella proving to be a vehicle for success — in every sense.”

The four-wheel drive Geely Tugella is backed by 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection engine providing a power output of 238hp and torque of 350nm. Its Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission and BorgWarner’s fifth generation 4WD system, ensures superior road handling through even distribution of power between its axles.

ENDS