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Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
The rally driver Mashael Alobaidan makes history.
As one of two women from Saudi Arabia, she successfully took part in an international rally in Dahran, Saudi Arabia last weekend.
And she has a message for her compatriots:
Mashael Alobaidan, rally driver
»If you love something, do it! And when you see hurdles, don't give up until you do what you really love - and enjoy life. "
Her goal of becoming a successful rally driver was anything but a given.
Mashael Alobaidan, rally driver
"Today is race day - I'm looking forward to it!"
Mashael only had her driver's license for a year.
In June 2018, the driving ban for women in Saudi Arabia fell.
A high-profile initiative by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - part of his so-called »modernization campaign«.
The state-owned press celebrated the first anniversary in 2019 with testimonials from their correspondents.
@ Rawanradnan8
»It's the first anniversary of the women's license. I'm going to work, get another coffee. It's a good time, a very good time. "
@NafisaAlharazi Cell
phone videos also showed the downside of the so-called "good time": men who complain about women driving - and pull them out of the car.
The driving ban was just one of many restrictions women still face in Saudi Arabia.
After all, the country now advertises with two rally drivers.
Mashael's colleague in class T-1, Dania Akeel, only had her driver's license for a year.
Dania Akeel, rally driver
»With God's help we made the first stage. This was my first rally and I'm very happy to have a great co-driver in Laurent - we hit it off straight away. "
Both women took first place in their respective categories.
Next they want to take part in the Dakar Rally as the "Sheroes" team - female heroes.