Engines thundered across the mountains of Taif as the curtain fell on the opening round of the 2026 Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship.
Organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and in partnership with Jameel Motorsport, the event brought together 43 male and female drivers competing across 10 categories and a Women’s Cup.
The championship goes far beyond a sporting competition. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision to build a strong motorsport culture by investing in local competitions, elevating national talent and offering more opportunities for drivers to compete at higher levels.
The Heart of the Championship
The true essence of the championship lies in the Al-Mohammediyah Hill course in Taif, a challenging mountain route that tests even the most experienced drivers.
Spanning 4.2 kilometers, the course winds through 30 corners as it climbs from around 1,900 to 2,150 meters above sea level. Hence, each run requires unwavering concentration, concise control, and the special knack to push the car to its absolute limits in a race against time.
This exceptional blend of raw speed and technical challenge has further boosted the Al‑Mohammediyah course as the centerpiece of the Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship.
Outstanding Performances
The opening round of the 2026 season delivered a thrilling showdown. Mamoon Amro Al‑Qabbani secured the overall crown with a blistering run of 3:28.936 minutes, followed by Faisal Sufyan Al‑Qabbani in second place and Ahmed Abdulrahman Al‑Qaidi in third.
In the Women’s Cup, Reem AlAboud triumphed with a time of 4:24.729 minutes, providing a glimpse into the rising impact of female drivers in Saudi motorsport.
Where Precision Wins
The 2026 season announced a new format that heightens the pressure on every driver. Now, competitors must tackle six qualifying runs before advancing to two decisive finals, with the overall standings determined by each racer’s single fastest time.
By expanding qualifying format, drivers now have more opportunities to refine their strategy, but it also amplifies the pressure to perform when it counts.
In contrast to the traditional wheel‑to‑wheel circuit racing, hill climbing is a race against the clock, where success relies on striking a balanced approach between precision and pace. It is not simply about driving faster than everyone else, but about mastering speed, brakes, corners, and control.
Pushing Saudi Motorsport Forward
As one of the flagship events on Saudi Arabia’s motorsport calendar, the Saudi Toyota Championship serves as a vital platform for emerging drivers to cultivate their skill while developing a safe, competitive racing under high technical and organizational standards.
Through initiatives like the Saudi Toyota Championship, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation is paving the way for a new generation of Saudi motorsport talent.
At the same time, it supports the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a regional and global hub for racing, where local drivers are fully empowered, skills are sharpened, and a sustainable motorsport culture is developed.
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