NICOSIA, CYPRUS – The FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) has reached its decisive moment, with only the Cyprus round on October 23rd-25th remaining as the title fight intensifies.
Saudi driver Hamza Bakhashab‘s main aim this season, backed by sponsor Jameel Motorsport, was to gain more international rally experience. But his impressive results in the previous three rounds, along with the support and guidance of his father Abdullah Bakhashab, have made him one of the leading contenders for his first FIA Middle East Rally Championship title.
The 22-year-old from Jeddah is second in the standings, just four points behind Qatari leader Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah. He will tackle the Petrolina Cyprus Rally with Lebanese co-driver Joseph Matar.
A season of progress
Bakhashab began the year at the Oman Rally, finishing eighth after suspension damage, then took second in Qatar and third in Jordan to keep climbing the standings. With four of the leading title contenders absent from the Rally of Lebanon, the fight at the top has become even closer ahead of the Cyprus finale.
Thanks to the continued support of Jameel Motorsport, I have had the opportunity to take on new challenges and gain valuable experience and I am really excited to compete in the Cyprus Rally. From what I have seen, the stages look completely different from anything I have driven before, so it will be a new experience and challenge for me and something I am really looking forward to.
Hamza Bakhashab
I know it is not going to be an easy rally, especially as it will be my first time driving on roads like these. My plan is to start with a good rhythm, get to know the stages and gradually increase the pace as I gain more confidence and become familiar with the conditions. My goal remains the same: to keep learning, gain as much experience as possible and hopefully come away with another good result.
Hamza Bakhashab
Following in his father’s footsteps
Bakhashab is also aiming to emulate his father, Abdullah Bakhashab, who won the FIA Middle East Rally Championship in 1995, a landmark achievement in Saudi Arabian motorsport history.
The Petrolina Cyprus Rally
Organised by the Cyprus Automobile Association, the rally features 12 gravel special stages in the Troodos Mountains, covering 183.92 competitive kilometres in a total distance of 657.74km. The rally headquarters, service park and media centre are in Nicosia, while Larnaca hosts the ceremonial start and finish.
The entry list includes 19 FIA crews and 11 national crews, with eight teams competing for Middle East Rally Championship points.
FIA MERC standings after round 4
- 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT) – 70pts
- 2. Hamza Bakhashab (KSA) – 66pts
- 3. Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya (QAT) – 61pts
- 4. Abdullah Al-Rawahi (OMA) – 56pts
- 5. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA) – 51pts
- 6. Shaker Jweihan (JOR) – 41pts