Saudi Merryhan Albaz (L) flanked by Belgian former racing driver Jacky Ickx, stands on the podium of the 'Saudi Next Gen Drivers' during the 47th Dakar Rally in Bisha, in the south-western quadrant of Saudi Arabia on January 6, 2025. As soon as she gets out of the buggy, her wetsuit still smeared with sand, Saudi driver Merryhan Albaz puts on lipstick and lights up a cigarette: on the bivouac of the Dakar-2025, the new generation of Saudi drivers is honing its skills. Alongside its official competition, for the sixth year in the Saudi Arabian desert, the famous rally-raid is organising for the first time a training programme for ten young Saudi drivers, called ‘Saudi Next Gen’. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)