Thrilling Start: Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship Concludes Round 1 at Bahrain International Circuit

The opening round of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, certified by the FIA, concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday at the iconic Bahrain International Circuit. The event, promoted by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport and conducted under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), marked an exciting beginning to the five-round season.

The weekend reached its climax with the second and final race of the round, which delivered an exceptional display of speed, skillful driving, and intense wheel-to-wheel competition. In a hard-fought battle that lasted until the final lap, it was Emirati driver Adam Al-Azhari of Valvoline who claimed the top step of the podium. The first-place trophy was presented by Elsa Cammilleri, Sporting Coordinator for FIA single-seater junior categories.

Fellow Emirati driver Theo Palmer, competing for JACO, secured second place and received his trophy from Fiona Rees, Head of Sporting for the championship. The third spot was claimed by Dutch driver Nina Gademan of CARAAGY, whose trophy was presented by Mohammed Al-Dossari, CEO of Teleios X.

Nina Gademan didn’t leave with just one accolade. In recognition of her outstanding performance throughout the weekend, she was also honored with the Best Female Driver Award, presented by Elsa Cammilleri. Meanwhile, the Best Rookie Award went to Thibaut Ramaekers, representing Zahid, and was awarded by Jonathan Wells, Motorsport Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and India region at Pirelli.

Earlier in the day, the second qualifying session set the stage for a pulsating race. Adam Al-Azhari showcased his speed early by claiming pole position. Theo Palmer lined up alongside him in second, followed by Thibaut Ramaekers in third. American driver Ava Dobson of PEAX secured fourth on the grid, with her teammate Kit Belofsky rounding out the top five.

The championship is more than a showcase of young talent; it is a testament to SAMF’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of racers. By fostering an environment that prioritizes competition, skill-building, and international exposure, the Aramco F4 series aligns seamlessly with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 — aiming to empower the nation’s youth and position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global motorsports landscape.

Looking ahead, the championship promises a thrilling season with a calendar packed with top-tier racing. The second round will stay in Bahrain, set for October 15–16. The series will then shift gears to the world’s fastest street circuit — the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — for rounds three and four on November 10–11 and November 14–15 respectively. The season finale, promising high drama and climactic action, will also be held in Jeddah on December 5–6.

The Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship is more than just a race series — it’s a movement driving the motorsport ambitions of a new era in the Middle East.

Signed,
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE