From Turkiye to Saudi Arabia: A rally champion’s historic comeback

Burcu Cetinkaya is one of Turkiye’s most celebrated rally drivers. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 November 2024
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From Turkiye to Saudi Arabia: A rally champion’s historic comeback

  • Burcu Cetinkaya, winner of the WRC Abu Dhabi Special Award in 2010, is now competing in World Rally Championship round in KSA

ANKARA: “Attention, Female Driver!” — a phrase often found on humorous but outdated and sexist stickers — takes on a powerful new meaning when referring to Burcu Cetinkaya, one of Turkiye’s most celebrated rally drivers.

Far from being a cautionary quip, it becomes an invitation to witness a trailblazer who is not only reclaiming her place in the World Rally Championship, or WRC, but also reshaping the narrative for women in motorsports — a field historically dominated by men.

Cetinkaya, an eight-time Turkish Ladies Rally Champion and the winner of the WRC Abu Dhabi Special Award in 2010, is now embarking on her journey to compete in the World Rally Championship round in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

She has expressed immense excitement about returning to the WRC rallies, as her last participation was back in 2018. She regards the WRC, hosted by the International Automobile Federation, as the pinnacle of global motorsport competition.

Speaking exclusively to Arab News during the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, Cetinkaya reflected on her difficult WRC appearance in 2018.

“I wasn’t ready, the car wasn’t ready and everything felt rushed. It was a harsh reminder of how much preparation and focus this sport requires. But deep inside, my love for rallying never faded — it only grew stronger,” she said.




Cetinkaya, an eight-time Turkish Ladies Rally Champion and the winner of the WRC Abu Dhabi Special Award in 2010, is now embarking on her journey to compete in the World Rally Championship round in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)

The turning point came when her former manager, Pier Liberali, invited her to a rally in Italy. That invitation reignited her passion and brought her back to the track, competing in the Turkish Rally Championship with a Renault Clio Rally3.

Winning the Ladies Rally Championship for the seventh and eighth time in consecutive years proved to her that her passion for the sport could overcome any challenge.

“This year, my dream to return to international rallies came true. Discussions with my co-driver, Fabrizia Pons, and the excitement of WRC returning to Saudi Arabia pushed me to prepare for my comeback, starting with the Acropolis Rally in Greece, held this September.

“Rallying is not just about winning — it’s about finding yourself through every twist, turn and obstacle. And for me, that journey has been worth every struggle,” she said.

Competing in Saudi Arabia is meaningful for Cetinkaya, both personally and professionally, as it is a full-circle moment that reflects how far things have come — not just in the region, but also in the world of motorsport.

“I’ve raced in the Middle East Rally Championship and traveled extensively in Saudi Arabia, even filming and following events like the Hail Rally. Yet, back then, I wasn’t even allowed to drive on the roads, let alone compete,” she said.




Beyond racing, Cetinkaya has made significant contributions to the global promotion of motorsport. (Supplied)

When Cetinkaya first heard that women were allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, she was ecstatic.

“During the Formula One race in Jeddah, I asked my driver if I could just take the wheel for a moment — just one meter — to feel what that represented. It was a small but powerful experience that I’ll never forget,” she said.

Hearing that WRC was coming to Saudi Arabia felt like the culmination of so much progress.

“Now I have the chance to compete at the highest level of rallying. It’s both a personal triumph and a testament to how change is possible when barriers are broken,” she said.

Cetinkaya’s impressive career includes three years in the Middle East Rally Championship, where she achieved podium finishes in Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar — often standing out as the sole female driver on the podium among a field of men.

“The Middle East Rally Championship that I competed in for three years and also the Qatar Rally Championship, where I finished second overall after the Al-Kuwari brothers, was an amazing experience. It’s much different from the World Rally Championship. There are parts that are easier and parts that are harder,” she said.

“The easier part is that the races are shorter, but the desert conditions were not something that I was used to. When you’re on the mountain roads, you can read the terrain a little, but in the desert it’s much harder to anticipate what’s ahead. Also, the locals were very experienced with the stages, but I wanted to fight hard to secure a top podium position in the general classification.

“Slowly but surely, managing that throughout these three years was an amazing experience. I think at the time, I would have loved to continue and try to win the Middle East Rally Championship, but life is also full of twisty roads. My adventure was just three years long, but who knows? Maybe someday I will come back because it was beautiful,” she added.




Cetinkaya with Fabrizia Pons. (Supplied)

In February this year, Cetinkaya was appointed chairperson of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile Women in Motorsport Commission during the World Motor Sport Council, becoming the first non-EU citizen to hold the prestigious position.

Competing in Turkish, Middle Eastern, European and World Rally Championship events taught Cetinkaya to focus on constant self-improvement: Identifying her weaknesses, building on her strengths and evolving with every race.

“But over time, my perspective has shifted. While I still love the thrill of rallying and give my best every time I compete, my greatest joy now comes from seeing others succeed — especially women in motorsport. As the chair of the Women in Motorsport Commission at the FIA, it’s an honor to support and inspire young girls to step into this incredible world,” she said.

Moments like watching an 8-year-old girl on the podium in the Cross-Car Mini Category at the Motorsport Games, knowing she is there under the wings of her commission, bring Cetinkaya a kind of fulfilment that is unmatched. Seeing these young talents and knowing she can help pave the way for their success is the most rewarding part of her journey right now.

She often reflects on her own childhood experience, remembering how she was inspired to start rally driving after attending a rally aged 12.

“At the time, a Turkish champion rally driver, Emre Yerlici, was racing with an Opel Calibra. There was a big battle between him and Iskender Atakan. When I saw that rally as a 12-year-old child, because of my father’s job, I fell in love with rallying. I fell in love with how it was a team effort and how it required overcoming so many challenges,” she said.




Cetinkaya with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. (Supplied)

Beyond racing, Cetinkaya has made significant contributions to the global promotion of motorsport. She has spearheaded educational collaborations with the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports and Red Bull, and has conducted outreach programs at universities in Pakistan.

“Rallying may have started as my personal passion, but it’s grown into a mission to empower others to achieve their dreams,” she said.

Cetinkaya now looks forward to racing in Saudi Arabia not just for the sport itself, but also for the symbolic power of what it represents: Growth, opportunity, and a future where women can fully take part and shine in motorsport.

She expressed her admiration for the emerging talents from the Middle East, highlighting the region’s growing impact on the global motorsport scene.

“I am so proud and happy to see a lot of talents rising from the Middle East,” Cetinkaya said. “In the Formula 1 Academy, the Al-Qubaisi sisters are present, especially Hamda Al-Qubaisi, who is doing an amazing job.

“Dania Akeel from Saudi Arabia is a rising star in rallies like Dakar, Reem Al-Aboud has driven a Formula E car on International Women’s Day and Reema Juffali was the wildcard entry in the Saudi GP for the Formula 1 Academy. And let’s not forget Nada Zaidan, who competed in many rally events.”


Hamilton to start from the pit lane in Belgium

Updated 27 July 2025
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Hamilton to start from the pit lane in Belgium

  • The seven-times Formula One world champion won at Spa with Mercedes last year but has had a nightmare so far, qualifying 18th in Friday’s sprint qualifying and finishing 15th in Saturday’s 100km race

FRANCORCHAMPS: Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix from the pit lane with a new power unit after qualifying only 16th, Ferrari said.
The seven-times Formula One world champion won at Spa with Mercedes last year but has had a nightmare so far, qualifying 18th in Friday’s sprint qualifying and finishing 15th in Saturday’s 100km race.
Hamilton has won five times in Belgium and has been on the podium in all but two of the races he has finished at the longest circuit on the calendar.
The Briton, who moved to the Italian team in January and has yet to stand on the podium for them, apologized to Ferrari on Saturday for a performance he said was unacceptable.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli will also start from the pit lane after those teams also changed engine components.
Sunday’s race is set to be wet. The Formula Two feature race started behind the safety car while the Formula Three race was canceled entirely due to the conditions.


Ukraine lead standings after Day 6 of IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain

Updated 27 July 2025
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Ukraine lead standings after Day 6 of IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain

  • England deliver a strong showing to stay close behind, while Tajikistan round out the top three

ALAIN: Day 6 of the IMMAF Youth World Championships featured action in the Youth A (16-17 years) category, as the competition heads into its final stretch with Ukraine at the top of the medal table.

The International Mixed Martial Arts federation tournament is taking place in the Al-Ain region for the first time, under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

In Saturday’s bouts, defending champions Ukraine held their lead and remain favorites to retain the title. England delivered another strong showing to stay close behind, while Tajikistan rounded out the top three.

Mohammed Jasem Al-Hosani, member of the MMA committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The sixth edition of this championship reflects the UAE’s growing stature on the global mixed martial arts map. It sets a benchmark in professional organisation, community engagement, and international participation. The strong turnout and competitive spirit we’ve seen over the past week highlight the success of the federation’s strategy to grow the sport and prepare new generations to represent their nations in elite competitions.”

Gillian Pensavalle, mother of Valentina Pensavalle, who won gold in the Youth A bantamweight (61kg) division, said: “We came all the way from England to take part in this important championship. We’re thrilled with the result and proud of the gold medal. It took a lot of preparation and hard work. We’ve really enjoyed the experience. Al Ain region is a beautiful place, and the atmosphere at the event has been incredible. We’re already looking forward to coming back next year.”

The IMMAF Youth World Championships conclude on Sunday with the final bouts in the Youth A category. These matches will determine the final medal standings.

 


AG.AL complete comeback to win Honor of Kings Grand Final at Esports World Cup 2025

Updated 27 July 2025
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AG.AL complete comeback to win Honor of Kings Grand Final at Esports World Cup 2025

  • Victory lands team $750,000 prize and 1,000 Club Championship points
  • AG.AL’s Jiahao ‘Zoe’ Chen wins $10,000 as tournament MVP

RIYADH: AG.AL won the Honor of Kings Grand Final at Esports World Cup 2025 after coming back from 3-1 down to win the best-of-seven series 4-3.

Team AG.AL won the first game before quickly finding themselves 3-1 down to team TT Global. Battling back, AG.AL displayed skill and determination to tie the match 3-3, taking the Grand Final to a conclusive seventh game.

Riding the momentum, AG.AL managed to secure the championship win with a confident performance in the seventh game, winning the series 4-3.

“I feel extremely happy, and I would like to give a huge applause to all my teammates, we did make a miracle happen,” said AG.AL’s Bicheng “YiNuo” Xu. “We showed our persistence and perseverance during those times when we were losing and behind.”

Team AG.AL overcame challenges from 17 other clubs to win the tournament, claim a $750,000 prize and secure 1,000 Club Championship points, taking the team to second place on the Club Championship table.

AG.AL’s Jiahao “Zoe” Chen was named the MVP after the impressive comeback win in the final. He will receive an additional $10,000 and the MVP medal to recognise his achievements.

Discussing the significance of the win and how the tournament has supported the team to elevate their profile internationally, AG.AL’s Xu said: “AG.AL is very well known in China, I think that everyone in China who has an interest in esports has heard of us.

“That being said, we might not be quite as well known on the global stage, and I believe this win has given us a big opportunity. Winning this championship at the Esports World Cup 2025 has introduced us to the world and now they will remember the name AG.AL. and who we are.”

The third week of EWC 2025 continues until Sunday, July 27 with finals in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

 


Joaquin Niemann running away from field in UK

Updated 27 July 2025
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Joaquin Niemann running away from field in UK

  • Niemann, already a four-time winner on the LIV Golf tour this season, is looking to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia

Joaquin Niemann of Chile has opened up a six-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round at LIV Golf United Kingdom.
The Torque GC captain moved to 14-under par with an 8-under 65 on Saturday at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, England. He racked up nine birdies with a lone bogey at the par-4 15th hole.
Bubba Watson is in solo second at 8-under after a second-round 68. England’s Paul Casey (68), Caleb Surratt (68) and Poland’s Adrian Meronk (70) are tied for third at 7-under.
Niemann, already a four-time winner on the LIV Golf tour this season, is looking to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia.
“I had a great time. I made a lot of putts,” Niemann said. “I was laughing at it sometimes because I’m not used to seeing so many of those going in, and it’s kind of cool to see that.
“Other than that, I hit some good shots. Everything felt pretty much under control, off the tee, irons, putting. Yeah, just pretty happy the way I’ve been going through the last two days.”
Niemann had five birdies on the front nine, including three in a row at Nos. 1-3.
“I think it’s a great course for my eyes,” said Niemann, who was T2 here last year. “I feel like there’s a lot of blind shots. There’s a lot of left-to- right shots, left-to-right, right-to-left. You’ve got to move it around. You’ve got to use different types of shots off the tee, as well. I feel pretty confident on this course. Hopefully I can improve one position from last year, and I’ll be pretty happy.”
Niemann’s Torque GC is also in front for the team championship at 24-under, three shots ahead of Legion XIII as it seeks its first team title since 2023.
“We know we can do it. We’ve been close for a few chances,” Niemann said. .”.. I think it’s going to be an exciting day for all of us tomorrow and hopefully see low scores from the four of us.”
Watson knows it will take a hot round and perhaps poor weather to keep Niemann off the top of the podium.
“He’s playing so good, you don’t expect him to do anything, like come backwards,” Watson said. “Wind direction — I haven’t looked at the weather. That can change a golf course or how we play it, pin setups.
“But we’re going to give it our all and then hopefully that’s good enough, have a round like he’s having (Saturday). He shoots like even or 1-under, whatever it is — but we’re just going to go out there and do the same thing and hopefully that’s good enough or have a really high finish.”
Five golfers are tied for sixth at 6-under, including Niemann’s Torque GC teammate Carlos Ortiz of Mexico.


Man Utd boss Amorim hails ‘really important’ Fernandes

Updated 27 July 2025
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Man Utd boss Amorim hails ‘really important’ Fernandes

  • Asked about Fernandes’ importance to the team, Amorim told reporters after the win: “It was so clear last season, you can see it with the goals and assists

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim heaped praise on captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder scored twice in a 2-1 pre-season win over fellow Premier League club West Ham United at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.
Fernandes, who scored 19 goals and provided 19 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions for United last season and won the club’s Player of the Year award, was linked with a move to Saudi Pro-League club Al Hilal earlier this year.
However, the 30-year-old said last month that he had considered the move but ultimately turned it down to keep playing at the highest level.
Asked about Fernandes’ importance to the team, Amorim told reporters after the win: “It was so clear last season, you can see it with the goals and assists. But it’s not just that.
“I think now he has more players, I feel, to help him to lead the group, and that is a good thing. He is our leader and really important, not just on the field but off the field. He leads by example.
“Sometimes, the problem is he gets frustrated and loses a little bit of focus of his job. Sometimes, he wants to help the teammates so much, it is not the best thing to do. They have to do their job, and Bruno has, for example, to wait for the ball.”
United have signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo so far in the transfer window, with Amorim saying the signings would take some of the pressure off Fernandes in attack.
“Last year, I felt sometimes I pushed him back to have more possession in the build-up, and we miss Bruno near the box,” Amorim added.
“With different characteristics from Bryan (Mbeumo) and Matheus Cunha — and I really like Kobbie Mainoo’s game — he (Fernandes) will have more help this season.”