IN-FORM AL-ATTIYAH TOPS ENTRY LIST FOR 2026 QATAR INTERNATIONAL RALLY

FIA Middle East Rally Championship – Round 2

Al-Attiyah leads 23-car, 13-nation field into Lusail showdown

LUSAIL (Qatar): Defending champion and reigning MERC title-holder Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah heads an impressive 23-car entry from 13 nations for next weekend’s Qatar International Rally, as confirmed today by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF).

The event forms round two of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) and runs from February 4th–7th, following closely on the heels of last weekend’s season-opening rally in Oman.

Al-Attiyah arrives in red-hot form after storming to victory in Sohar just four days ago. The Qatari star once again partners Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, with the duo spearheading a highly competitive entry that features six Rally2 cars, six MERC2 contenders, six crews in MERC4, a Rally5 entry, and four SSV teams eligible for MERC points.

Top challengers ready to take the fight to the champion

Former regional champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi and 2012 Qatar International Rally winner Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari are expected to mount the strongest challenge to Al-Attiyah. Both will campaign Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 machinery, matching the top seed on outright performance.

Local interest is further boosted by Mohammed Al-Marri, a graduate of the Qatar Academy Stars programme, who steps up from Rally4 to Rally2 for the first time in a Citroën C3 Rally2. Defending FIA Master Driver Champion Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya also competes in the top category aboard a Ford Fiesta Rally2.

A late entry has been accepted for Saudi Arabia’s Hamza Bakhashab, who teams up with Irish co-driver Lorcan Moore in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, adding further depth to the headline category.

Jweihan targets back-to-back MERC2 success

Jordanian Shaker Jweihan dominated the FIA MERC2 category in Oman and leads the class again in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, alongside co-driver Mustafa Juma. He faces strong ‘showroom’ category opposition from Sami Fleifel, Jassim Al-Muqahwi, Zakariya Al-Aamri, Mohamed Mansoor Parol and Charbel Chebly.

Qatar Academy Stars shine in MERC4 battle

The QMMF continues to promote young talent through its Qatar Academy Stars programme, with several graduates lining up across the entry.

Defending FIA MERC4 Champion Rashid Al-Muhannadi returns in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, co-driven by Irishman Gary McElhinney, and will face stiff competition from Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah, and Nouef Al-Sowaidi. Ahmad Shaheen Al-Muhannadi and Taha Al-Zadjali complete the five-car Peugeot line-up.

India’s Payyaakkal Panikkaveettil and Musa Sherif aim to break the French manufacturer’s hold on the category in a Ford Fiesta Rally4.

SSVs and Rally5 complete diverse entry

SSVs remain eligible for MERC points, with one Qatari and three Italian crews contesting honours. Mohammed Al-Atteya and Mirko Carrara drive Can-Am Mavericks, while Mario Marotta and Christiano Gabbarrini compete in Yamaha YXZ 1000Rs prepared by Quaddy Racing.

Lebanese pairing Shadi El Fakih and Joseph Kmeid return in a Renault Clio RS Rally5 after overcoming early fuel pump issues to finish in Oman.

Engine problems and accident damage have unfortunately ruled out Shekh Bader Al-Fayez and Ihab Al-Shorafa from competing in Qatar.

Event administration and organisation

The rally will be held under the chairmanship of QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, alongside senior committee member Abdulrazaq Al-Kuwari and QMMF Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad.

Administrative checks will take place on Tuesday, February 3rd, at the Lusail International Circuit.

2026 Qatar International Rally – Entry List (Updated)