Forty-three drivers took part in the opening round of the 2026 Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship, held on the Al-Mohammadiyah track at Aqabat Al-Muhammadiyah in Al Shafa, Taif. The round drew a strong turnout of local spectators and marked the start of a season featuring three rounds.
The mountain course stretches 4.2 kilometres and includes 30 turns, climbing from roughly 1,900 metres to 2,150 metres above sea level. The demanding elevation and technical layout make Al Shafa one of the more challenging settings for hill climb competition in the Kingdom.
The event was organised under the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Results were determined by each competitor's single best time across the runs.
For the 2026 season, organisers added two extra qualifying runs, bringing the format to six runs The change gives drivers more chances to refine their lines and post faster times, while adding to the spectacle for fans following the action along the track.
The strong community interest at the opener reflects the growing appetite for motorsport across Saudi Arabia, with Taif's cool highland scenery offering a distinctive backdrop for residents and visitors alike. Two further rounds remain on the calendar for the season.
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