The Jordan Rally, a prestigious event in the Eastern Hemisphere that has been a part of the FIA World Rally Championship in the past, kicked off at Dead Sea with 29 cars and competitors from nine nations. The event took place in the stunning backdrop of the Dead Sea and West Bank, where crews faced 15 challenging special stages in the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea areas. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, a veteran rally driver, was in pursuit of his 20th Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title and 16th win in Jordan, after sharing the previous year’s championship with Abdullah Al Rawahi.
Unfortunately for Al Attiyah, his quest for the title did not start well as he faced setbacks during the early stages of the championship. Despite facing challenges such as puncture and suspension damage in his home event, Al Attiyah was determined to make a comeback with a new Škoda Fabia RS. While the defending champion Pierre-Louis Loubet had not planned to compete in the full MERC program this year, Norwegian driver Mads Østberg was forced to withdraw from the event due to logistical issues.
With strong competition from other drivers, including Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and Khalid Suwaidi, Al Attiyah faced tough competition in the Rally2 category. Local drivers such as Bader Al Fayez and Nasser Khalifa Al Atya were also looking to make an impact in their respective categories. The MERC2 category was dominated by local drivers, with Shaker Jweihan leading the championship going into the event, followed by Shadi Shaban and Husam Salim.
The rally featured a revised route with 195.20 competitive kilometers in a compact route of 575.48 km. Competitors navigated through various stages in the Mount Nebo area before returning to the Dead Sea area for the final stages. The action-packed event included a lunchtime service, a repeat run through the speed tests, and a super special stage at the Dead Sea. Saturday’s action consisted of 109.42 competitive kilometers with two passes through each of the challenging stages.
In the end, the podium and ceremonial finish marked the conclusion of the event, followed by a post-event press conference. Despite facing challenges and tough competition, the Jordan Rally showcased the skills and determination of the drivers as they battled through the demanding terrain to claim victory. With its rich history and iconic status in the rally world, the Jordan Rally continues to attract top talent and provide thrilling action for rally enthusiasts around the world.
