Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and co-driver Candido Carrera took the lead at the 29th Oman International Rally on Friday, the opening round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). Despite suffering two slow punctures, Al-Attiyah navigated the challenging gravel stages of the Hajar mountains to establish a 41.2-second advantage. The rally, which began in Sohar, Oman, is expected to conclude Saturday with further competitive stages.
The opening leg of the rally proved demanding, with several competitors facing mechanical issues and accidents. Al-Attiyah, driving a Škoda Fabia RS, secured victory in five of the six stages, demonstrating his skill and resilience. Fellow Qatari driver Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya currently holds third place, adding to the strong showing of Qatari competitors in the event.
Al-Attiyah Dominates Early Stages of Oman International Rally
Al-Attiyah’s performance highlights his continued dominance in the Middle East rally scene. He managed the pace effectively despite the setbacks caused by the punctures, focusing on maintaining a consistent lead. According to reports, the driver emphasized the importance of managing the car and tires throughout the grueling stages.
Challenges and Retirements
The rally’s initial stages were marked by a high attrition rate. Hamza Bakhashab and Lorcan Moore were forced to retire due to suspension damage on their Toyota. Engine problems also eliminated Jordan’s Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez and both QMMF Peugeot teams, consisting of Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Marri and Rashid Al-Muhannadi. These retirements significantly reshaped the leaderboard early in the competition.
However, Abdullah Al-Rawahi, a local favorite, provided strong competition, finishing second overall alongside Jordanian co-driver Ata Al-Hmoud. Al-Rawahi’s performance is particularly notable following his return from injury, demonstrating his continued skill and determination. The rally is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Al-Batinah North Governorate, and Toyota Oman.
The challenging terrain also impacted the supporting categories, with only eight of the initial fourteen starters classified as finishers at the end of the first day. This underscores the demanding nature of the Oman rally and the importance of vehicle reliability and driver precision.
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Final Stages
Saturday’s schedule includes two passes through the Al-Akak, Yanboa, and Rahab stages. The final run of Rahab will serve as the Power Stage, offering additional championship points to the fastest competitors. This adds an extra layer of intensity to the final day of the FIA MERC event.
The outcome of the rally remains uncertain, as Al-Attiyah acknowledges there is still a significant distance to cover. Maintaining a consistent pace and avoiding further mechanical issues will be crucial for securing the overall victory. The final stages are expected to be equally challenging, testing the endurance of both drivers and their vehicles.
The completion of Saturday’s stages will determine the final standings and provide valuable points towards the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Observers will be watching to see if Al-Attiyah can maintain his lead and secure his first win of the season, or if Al-Rawahi or Al-Atya can mount a challenge. The results will likely influence the championship standings as the motorsport season progresses.
FIA officials will oversee the final stages and confirm the official results following the completion of the rally.
