Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Giovanni Bernacchini comfortably lead the Jordan Rally, winning four of the day’s six special stages on Friday afternoon. Al-Attiyah, running a new Autotek Motorsport-prepared Škoda Fabia RS for the first time, overcame a spin on stage two to build a 1min 05.7sec lead. Defending champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi led early in his Škoda Fabia before an accident forced him to retire, leaving Al-Attiyah to manage his pace and stay clear of fellow countryman Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari in second place.
Al-Attiyah expressed his strategy for the rally, emphasizing the need to be clever and manage the tough race stage-by-stage. Al-Kuwari shared his experience, describing the challenging nature of the stages and acknowledging the need to stay focused. Meanwhile, Al-Rawahi reflected on his retirement due to engine damage and the disappointment of not being able to continue the rally. Jordanian driver Shaker Jweihan dominated the MERC2 category with a comfortable lead, showcasing his skills on the rough and rocky stages.
The day unfolded with Al-Attiyah setting the pace despite road-sweeping duties, while Al-Rawahi briefly took the lead before his retirement. Al-Kuwari and Jweihan maintained strong performances, with Jweihan showing dominance in the MERC2 category. The day featured loops of three stages, with competitors facing slippery conditions and challenging terrain. Al-Attiyah’s lead continued to grow as he managed the stages with controlled speed and strategy.
The rally saw various drivers facing challenges, including crashes and mechanical issues leading to retirements. Al-Attiyah maintained his lead through the day, navigating the stages with skill and maximizing his advantage over his rivals. Jweihan’s consistency earned him a comfortable lead in the MERC2 category, showcasing his prowess on the demanding tracks. The event culminated in a canceled stage and a final super special at the Dead Sea, where Al-Attiyah sealed his strong performance on the opening day.
Overall, the Jordan Rally provided an exciting start, with Al-Attiyah and Bernacchini setting the pace and showcasing their potential for victory. The competition remains fierce, with drivers like Al-Kuwari and Jweihan ready to challenge for the top spot. As the rally progresses, fans can expect more thrilling action and fierce battles on the challenging Jordanian terrain. With a mix of experienced drivers and rising talents, the event promises to deliver an exhilarating spectacle for rally enthusiasts worldwide.
