The Gulf Challenge, announced in May and due to start in September 2017, has been postponed until 2018.
The decision was announced by promoter Abdullah Bakhashab, a former FIA Middle East rally champion, after consultation with the automobile federations and motorsport clubs of the Arabian Gulf region.
Bakhashab cited unfavourable economic conditions, which had led many companies interested in supporting the Challenge to change their positions in recent weeks, affecting preparations for the new rally series.
I regret to announce the postponement of the Gulf Challenge, which was scheduled to start next month, to the 2018-2019 season. There is a positive side to this decision in that it gives us more time to organise, promote and prepare in the way that we want to and it will also help those eager to participate to better prepare themselves, so that we can attract as many competitors as possible next season.
Abdullah Bakhashab
The Gulf Challenge is the brainchild of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, former multiple FIA Middle East Rally Champion and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates, who secured unrivalled support from the Gulf states’ automobile federations to establish the new 4×4 rally series.
The series will be decided over rounds in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.