Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Candido Carrera kicked off the 29th Oman International Rally with a strong performance, winning the opening 2.52km Sohar super special stage on Thursday. The Qatari driver, a multiple-time FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) champion, set a time of 2min 30.7sec, establishing an 8.1-second lead as the rally began near the Sohar Entertainment Centre. This marks the start of a competitive season for the Oman International Rally, drawing drivers from across the Middle East.
The event, organized with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Al Batinah North Governorate, and Toyota Oman, saw Abdullah Al Rawahi and Ata Al-Hmoud, both driving Skoda Fabia RS cars, finish second quickest. Hamza Bakhashab and Lorcan Moore secured the third fastest time in a Toyota GR Yaris, setting the stage for a thrilling contest throughout the weekend.
Al Attiyah Leads Early in the Oman International Rally
Al Attiyah’s victory in the super special stage demonstrates his continued dominance in regional rallying. He and co-driver Carrera are aiming for another successful campaign in the MERC series. The Qatari driver stated he used the shakedown earlier in the day to refine his pace and ensure his vehicle was in optimal condition, according to reports from the event.
However, the rally is far from decided. Local driver Abdullah Al Rawahi, returning to competition after a significant injury sustained in Lebanon last summer, showed impressive speed. He acknowledged that preparation has been challenging, with his car arriving only a week before the event, but expressed excitement about competing on his home terrain.
Challenges and Preparations
Several competitors faced logistical hurdles leading up to the rally. Hamza Bakhashab experienced a delay in the transportation of his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 from Saudi Arabia, requiring a late scrutineering slot. He also noted that the delayed arrival of spare parts prompted a cautious approach during the opening stage.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s Shaker Jweihan and Mustafa Juma are currently leading the FIA MERC2 category, finishing fourth overall in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya, the defending FIA MERC Master Driver champion, completed the opening stage in fifth position.
In contrast to the strong starts of some competitors, Lebanon’s Shadi El Fakih encountered difficulties with his Renault Clio, losing approximately seven minutes due to suspected fuel feed issues. This early setback could significantly impact his overall performance in the rally.
The Rally4 category is currently led by Rashid Al-Muhannadi, who outperformed his QMMF team-mate Mohammed Al Marri. Zakariya Al Ofi and Ammar Al-Balushi are leading the 13-strong Oman National Rally competition, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.
The Oman International Rally continues today with competitors tackling two passes through three challenging stages. The schedule begins with Ar-Rusays (15.69km) followed by Ar Rassah (19.22km) and Al Uwaynah (13.99km). A regroup and service will be held in Sohar before a second run through the stages in the afternoon.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how drivers adapt to the longer and more demanding stages. The consistency of Al Attiyah will be tested, and the performance of Al Rawahi as he continues his recovery will be closely watched. Weather conditions are currently favorable, but any changes could impact tire choices and overall strategy. The outcome of the rally remains uncertain, and fans can expect a competitive weekend of motorsport action.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
More information: FIA Official Website
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