Unfinished business for Al Jafla
CREW FACTS…
K.A.J.
- It started in style with a first experience that ended with a 41st overall position back in 2021, but since then Khalid Al Jafla has suffered all sorts of problems on the Dakar.
- The driver from Dubai is one of the most experienced men in the Middle-East. He indeed has several Abu Dhabi Desert Challenges under the belt and competed in all parts of the Middle-East including Saudi Arabia.
- After his first two Dakar rallies in a Toyota Hilux, the 58-year-old Emirati decided to move to the T3 Lightweight Prototype class in 2023 (now known as Challenger) but his adventures alongside co-driver Andrei Rudnitski ended both times early, as soon as stage 4 on the last two editions.
- Al Jafla who competed in all eight rounds of this year’s FIA Baja World Cup will again be alongside Rudnitski with the goal to renew with a Dakar finish.
A.R.
- For over a decace, Andrei Rudnitski has become a reference in terms of navigating. He has seen it all on off-road events around the globe, partnering with many different drivers.
- He first appeared on the Dakar alongside Lithuania’s Benediktas Vanagas with whom he finished both his maiden rallies on South American soil.
- He then was asked to mentor and guide the young and promising former biker Kuba Przygonski. And it was with the Polish driver that he captured his best ever performance (15th in 2016).
- After several other experiences in South-America and Saudi Arabia, he has now settled down with Khalid Al Jafla.
- While their last two experiences on the Dakar ended early, they were boosted by their recent third place in the FIA World Baja Cup (Challenger class) and will be hoping to finally shine on the world’s toughest stage.
AMBITION 2025
K.A.J. : “The Dakar represented a dream for me. I decided to go for it when it moved to Saudi Arabia. I’ve been in motorsports since 2010 competing in cross-country rallies. I do it for fun but also for business.”