Reema Juffali launches the exciting Theeba Motorsport
Saudi’s first female racing driver is making history…
Motorsports is racing in the right direction. Reema Juffali, Saudi Arabia’s first female professional racing driver, made history when she was the first Saudi Arabian women to compete in an international race in the kingdom. Now, she has broken another barrier, as she is the first woman to be heading up a motorsports team.
Juffali is the founder of Theeba Motorsport – a platform and space for Saudis (including women) to learn about and participate in motorsport through a variety of engineering, mechanical and commercial internship and apprenticeship programmes.
Theeba Motorsport will take its first competitive steps this year at the International GT Open Championship – one of Europe’s highest tiers of GT3 racing. After its Estoril season-opener, the International GT Open will visit six other circuits this year, racing at Paul Ricard, Spa, the Hungaroring, Red Bull Ring, Monza and Barcelona.
When asked about the challenges she faced as a female driver, Juffali said: “Not having any real knowledge about it was one of the most difficult things for me. I say, time and time again, one of my biggest challenges wasn’t just coming in as a female, but taking that step and coming into the sport altogether.
“In terms of misconceptions, a lot of people have a certain image and idea of what Saudi is. For me, it really is a great privilege to be able to change their opinion and show them what Saudi is truly capable of. A lot of the time, they are astonished at how I am racing, as women only started driving recently. For me, it is always about following my passion, staying true to myself and hopefully I can encourage people to do the same.”
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During the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah, Juffali was appointed an ambassador for the country. Juffali is dreaming big, as she wants the team to one day compete at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours under a Saudi Arabian licence. We are all rooting for you, Juffali.
Images: Provided