Saudi trailblazer Reema Juffali opens a new chapter in her racing career as a team owner

Reema Juffali has been a trailblazer since becoming the first Saudi Arabian female racing driver.

Already the first Saudi woman to compete in an international race, she now becomes the first female from her country to head a motoracing team.

Theeba Motorsports will make their debut in the International GT Open second round at the Paul Ricard circuit in France this weekend. Juffali will be partnered by long-time friend, driver coach and GT ace Adam Christodoulou.

Juffali, 30, believes her pioneering move will further enhance the participation and representation of Saudi Arabia in all sectors of the motorsports industry.

“This is definitely exciting times for us," she said at a media briefing ahead of her team’s first track work on Friday.

“I have been racing for the last 3-4 years and during this time I found huge support both from back home and everywhere I have been competing. It has been so humbling.

“The reason to venture as a team owner is for us to progress as racing drivers in the world of motorsports.

“The objective, of course, is to encourage and help the Saudis get on their feet in the sport, not only as racing drivers but in various sectors – as an engineer, a mechanic or media personality, and so on.

“This is something that I really wanted to do but [I didn't know] how to do it. I think this team is going to serve its purpose and I hope you’ll see us competing internationally and regionally as a team, beginning this weekend.”

Reema Juffali with Adam Christodoulou. Photo: Theeba Motorsports

Theeba Motorsports is largely funded by “family and friends” at the moment, though Juffali hopes to attract sponsors from the Middle East to help the team’s growth.

The team is named after a nickname given to Juffali as a