Reema Juffali is Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver. She has been named an ambassador for the country’s inaugural Formula One Grand Prix. It takes place this week in Jeddah. The organizers informed me on Monday. The 29-year-old, who competed in the British Formula Three championship this year, will be among the first to drive a lap of the Red Sea street circuit.
She will also take part in a track shakedown of a 1979 Williams Formula One car that was sponsored by Saudi. “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the activities over the race weekend. I hope that my story and the journey can provide some inspiration to anyone thinking of following their dream,” she says in a statement. “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the activities over the race weekend. And I hope that my story and the journey can provide some inspiration to anyone thinking of following their dream,” she adds to the statement.
Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women driving in 2018. And Juffali became the first Saudi female license holder to compete in a series that same year. In November 2019, she became the country’s first female racing car driver to compete in an international racing competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sunday’s Formula One race will be a third of four in the Middle East during the 2021 Formula One season. And it could also be a title decider. As Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. The lead is by eight points heading into the final two races of the championship. Certainly with the final round taking place in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix should secure Scuderia Ferrari third place in the 2021 Formula One Constructor Standings. Just behind Mercedes and Red Bull.