KASLIK, LEBANON – The 44th Coral Rally of Lebanon officially started on Friday evening, September 2, 2022, from the headquarters of the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) in Kaslik, opening the “star” of Middle East rallies. The asphalt event is the fifth and final round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, organised under the patronage of President of the Republic General Michel Aoun. The rally covers 478.83km, including 286.53km of special stages across 10 stages.
The official start was attended by ATCL president lawyer Elie Assaf, secretary-general Camille Eddé, treasurer lawyer Gilbert Massihi, several board members, FIA observer Omar Zaarour and a big crowd of motorsport fans.
Before the start, a classic car display was followed by a friendly race for classic cars and spectacular drift demonstrations by Rony Daraoui and Paul Ksaifi, after which the crews tackled the opening super special stage.
Saturday programme
Competition in all classes begins on Saturday, September 3, with four special stages. The first car leaves the Jbeil municipal car park at 8am, heading towards Batroun via Bejdarfel to Ain Aaya.
- SS2 and SS4 – Ain Aaya to Deir Billa (21.40km): roads closed 7:30am–10:30am and 11:09am–2:09pm
- SS3 and SS5 – Sourat to Dahr Abi Yaghi (26.12km): roads closed 8:23am–11:23am and 12:02pm–3:02pm
Service takes place in the Jbeil municipal car park between loops, and the cars enter parc fermé from 3:45pm, ending the first section.