Doha, Qatar – The 2026 Qatar International Rally is set to ignite the Middle Eastern motorsport scene from February 4th to 7th, drawing a competitive field of 22 cars representing 12 nations. Following a thrilling opening round in Oman, the rally promises intense action as drivers vie for championship points in the second leg of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). Reigning champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah enters as the clear favorite, fresh off a dominant victory in Sohar.
The event, organized by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), will see competitors battle across challenging terrains in Qatar. This year’s rally features diverse classes, including Rally2, MERC2, MERC4, Rally5, and SSV, ensuring a spectacle for rally enthusiasts. The participation underscores Qatar’s growing prominence as a hub for international motorsports.
A Fierce Competition at the Qatar International Rally
Al Attiyah, alongside Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, will face strong opposition from Oman’s Abdullah Al Rawahi, the 2023 MERC champion, driving a Škoda Fabia RS. Additionally, local hero Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, the 2024 Middle East champion and a previous Qatar Rally winner in 2012, is expected to challenge for the top spot.
The Rally 2 category is particularly stacked, with Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, the reigning World Masters champion, also joining the fray in a Ford Fiesta. A notable development is the move of rising Qatari star Mohammed Al Marri from the Rally 4 class to Rally 2, piloting a Citroën C3 for the first time. This demonstrates the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
Battles in the Supporting Classes
Beyond the headline Rally 2 competition, the MERC 2 category will see a compelling contest led by Jordanian driver Shaker Juhaian, who secured a win in Oman. He will be driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 and will be challenged by fellow Jordanian Sami Fleifel, Kuwaiti Jassim Al Maqahwi, and drivers from Oman and India.
The MERC4 class is also shaping up to be highly competitive, with six teams vying for the title. Rashid Al Muhannadi, a product of the “Qatar Academy Stars” program, aims to defend his 2024 championship, partnering with Irish co-driver Gary McElhenney in a Peugeot 208. He will encounter stiff competition from experienced drivers like Ahmed Al Kuwari and Khalifa Saleh Al Attiyah.
The SSV category will feature a mix of Qatari and Italian drivers, showcasing the growing popularity of these versatile vehicles in rally racing. The Rally 5 class will see the return of the Lebanese duo Shadi Al Faqih and Joseph Kmeid in their Renault Clio RS Rally5, hoping to overcome mechanical issues that plagued their previous outing.
However, not all anticipated competitors will be present. Jordanian Sheikh Bader Al Fayez will miss the Qatar Rally due to engine problems sustained in Oman, while Ehab Al Shurafa was sidelined by a traffic accident. These unforeseen circumstances highlight the inherent risks and challenges of rally racing.
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation launched the “Qatar Academy Stars” program two years ago, and it continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of Qatari rally drivers. The program’s success is evident in the progress of drivers like Al Marri and Al Muhannadi, who are now competing in higher categories.
The 2026 Qatar International Rally is under the leadership of Abdulrahman Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Rally Federation, alongside Abdulrazzaq Al-Kuwari and Amr Al Hamad. Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring a safe and well-organized event.
Following the Qatar Rally, the MERC season will continue with further events across the Middle East. The championship standings will undoubtedly become clearer after this round, and the battle for the overall title is expected to intensify. Observers will be watching closely to see if Al Attiyah can maintain his momentum and secure another championship victory, or if a challenger will emerge to dethrone the reigning champion.
FIA Website
Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation
The Peninsula Qatar
