FIA Middle East and North Africa coordinator Imad Lahoud, who also heads the motorsport committee of the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL), has announced that preparations are under way for the 38th Rally of Lebanon. The event, round four of this year’s Middle East Rally Championship, will be organised by the club on September 4, 5 and 6.
Entries close on August 21, and Lahoud hopes the list will be a large one, “led by Lebanese driver Roger Feghali and Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, which will give the rally a special flavour.”
He congratulated Feghali on his achievements at home and abroad, including his victory at France’s Rallye d’Antibes by a big margin over the runner-up, calling it proof of the Lebanese driver’s ability “despite the limited financial means at his disposal.”
Two years at the helm
I took up my post about two years ago, and in coordination with the president and board of the club and the motorsport committee I am working to develop motorsport, which is growing and flourishing. The large entries in the various events are proof of that.
Imad Lahoud
Lahoud thanked everyone who helps spread motorsport, from officials, drivers and co-drivers to journalists, photographers and event workers, adding that he welcomes any constructive criticism that can improve the sport, especially in Lebanon, the cradle of motorsport in the Middle East.
Al-Attiyah and Todt
He described his relationship with FIA Vice-President Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah of Qatar as “excellent”, saying he gives a big push to motorsport in the Middle East and the Arab region, and calling him a tireless man whose influence was shown by the FIA General Assembly being held in Doha.
According to Lahoud, Al-Attiyah has put the Arab world on the international map through FIA support for clubs in the region to hold conferences and safety workshops, including the regional clubs’ meeting held in Lebanon last April.
He praised FIA President Jean Todt as a “friend of Lebanon” who took part in rallies in the country decades ago, and welcomed the results of Todt’s private visit to Lebanon at the start of April. Lahoud also thanked the FIA for the confidence it showed in appointing him its Middle East and North Africa coordinator.
Young drivers and a WRC dream
Lahoud revealed a plan to support young drivers and encourage them into motorsport, noting that several promising drivers have already started competing, including in rallies. “The success of motorsport in Lebanon is the fruit of the efforts of everyone working in this sport, which so many people love,” he said.
Political stability in Lebanon in particular is the key to holding a round of the World Championship in Lebanon. This is a dream for many people in the Land of the Cedars, and FIA President Jean Todt and his deputy Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah support this direction. Communication with them on this subject is in full swing.
Imad Lahoud