SOHAR (Oman): Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and co-driver Candido Carrera made a strong start to the 29th Oman International Rally by claiming the early lead after Thursday afternoon’s 2.52km Sohar super special stage. Competing in a Škoda Fabia RS, the Qatari-Spanish pairing clocked a time of 2min 30.7sec in dry and breezy conditions near the Sohar Entertainment Centre, establishing an 8.1-second advantage heading into the overnight halt.
Local favourite Abdullah Al-Rawahi impressed on his return to competition by securing second place alongside Jordanian co-driver Ata Al-Hmoud, also in a Škoda Fabia RS. Saudi Arabia’s Hamza Bakhashab and Ireland’s Lorcan Moore completed the top three in their Toyota GR Yaris.
The rally officially launched another season of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), with several drivers attending a pre-event press conference before crossing the ceremonial start podium.
Al-Rawahi, a former regional champion, was competing in his first event since a serious accident in Lebanon last summer. Despite limited recent mileage and late car preparations, he expressed excitement at returning on home soil and hopes to challenge for stage wins.
Jordan’s Shaker Jweihan and Mustafa Juma led the FIA MERC2 category in fourth overall with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, while defending MERC Master Driver champion Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya finished fifth.
With smoother stages expected, crews now turn their focus to the demanding competitive sections on Friday.
