The Toyota Gazoo Digital Racing Cup in the Middle East and North Africa returns in a new format in 2022, reopening doors to the global stage for simulation racing champions in the region. Digital racing is witnessing a surge in popularity and professionalism worldwide, becoming an essential part of the activities of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), with all major global championships now organizing parallel digital competitions where professional teams and drivers compete in simulation racing.
After the previous edition of the "Toyota Gazoo Digital Racing Cup in the Middle East and North Africa" took place last year following the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional championship is returning this year with advanced organizational and professional standards under the supervision of the Jordanian Motor Sports Federation, which will represent the FIA, and organized by "Desert Fox Racing."
Last year's finals were hosted in Jordan's capital, Amman, where 22 drivers from 11 countries competed over two exciting and thrilling days, resulting in young Sami-Joe Abi Nakhlah winning the first-place trophy, while Azzi Bustami secured the second position, and Khaled Al-Maraghi completed the podium by coming in third in the final race.
Simulation drivers aged between 16 and 21 will compete in local qualifiers across the Middle East and North Africa to qualify the fastest and strongest drivers for the finals, which will be held in Amman in October.
Zaid Balkiz, the Executive Director of the Jordanian Motor Sports Federation, stated: "We organized the first regional championship in the Middle East and North Africa for digital racing, and after the remarkable success achieved on all levels, we look forward to the return of competitions again this year, especially since it will target a wider segment of participants and will have an advanced organizational and qualification structure." He added, "We noticed at the FIA the competitive level of youth in the Middle East and North Africa in this type of racing, which has gained its stature and growing popularity worldwide, and they have indeed proven the presence of considerable talents capable of competing at the highest global levels, confirming the booming motorsports in the region."
He concluded by saying: "The upcoming months will undoubtedly be filled with excitement and competition, and we can't wait to see who will qualify for the finals. We wish everyone the best of luck." The final schedule for the "Toyota Gazoo Digital Racing Cup in the Middle East and North Africa," along with the list of participating countries, is expected to be announced in the coming days.
