DANIA AKEEL Claims Saudi Baja Podium While HEDDA HOSÅS Shines in SSV Class

January 2, 2026

• DANIA AKEEL delivered a superb demo of desert racing and secured third place overall at the Saudi Baja, navigating technical challenges and tricky spectator areas to claim her spot on the podium in her Overdrive Toyota. Her performance earned valuable points in the FIA World Baja Cup standings, improving her contender status right from the season opener.
• Norwegian racer HEDDA HOSÅS showed her mettle in the competitive SSV category, finishing sixth in her Can-Am Maverick R alongside Spanish navigator Pol Tibau. While the SSV field was packed with talent, HOSÅS held her own against experienced competitors and demonstrated the growing international presence of women in cross-country rallying.
• The brutal Ha’il desert conditions – 151km of technical navigation, dust, and scorching heat – tested every racer. AKEEL’s podium finish particularly stands out as she managed the pressure of opening roads and dealing with spectator-crowded sections that made finding the correct racing line a genuine challenge.

fia world baja cup, saudi baja, ssv, toyota hilux