Saudi rally driver Yazeed Al Rajhi and his co-driver Timo Gottschalk were involved in a serious accident during the second and final stage of the 2025 Jordan Baja, held in the Wadi Rum desert. The incident occurred while they were leading the race and poised to secure Al Rajhi’s first victory in Jordan.
The Incident
On April 12, 2025, during the concluding stage of the rally, Al Rajhi’s Toyota Hilux struck an obstacle at high speed. The impact caused significant injuries to both occupants, necessitating their immediate evacuation by air to a nearby hospital.
Injuries Sustained
Medical evaluations revealed that Al Rajhi suffered fractures to two vertebrae in his spine, while Gottschalk sustained fractures to four vertebrae. Despite the severity of their injuries, both were reported to be fully conscious and in stable condition following the accident.
Aftermath and Recovery
Al Rajhi addressed his fans from the hospital, expressing gratitude for their support and assuring them of his determination to recover. He indicated plans to return to Riyadh via his private aircraft stationed at Aqaba Airport.
Impact on the Rally
Al Rajhi’s withdrawal from the race altered the competitive landscape, allowing Overdrive Racing’s Juan Cruz Yacopini and co-driver Dani Oliveras to claim victory. The duo narrowly secured the win by 11 seconds over Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, marking Yacopini’s first triumph in the FIA World Baja Cup.
Community Response to Yazeed Al Rajhi accident
The motorsport community has rallied around Al Rajhi and Gottschalk, offering messages of support and well-wishes for their recovery. Fans and fellow competitors alike have expressed their hopes for the duo’s swift return to rallying.
Al Rajhi’s accident underscores the inherent risks of rally racing and the resilience required of its participants. As he embarks on his recovery journey, the rally community awaits his return to the sport.
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