“Race of Nerves” Decided in Final Stage – Roger Feghali Claims 18th Title
In a thrilling finish to the 47th edition of the Lebanon International Rally, Roger Feghali, alongside co-driver Joseph Matar, secured a record-breaking 18th victory driving a Toyota GR Yaris. The rally was organized by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) under the patronage of President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun.
Feghali edged out Qatari champion Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, who was co-driven by Spanish navigator Candido Carrera in a Skoda Fabia RS, by just 9.2 seconds in one of the most intense editions of the rally in recent years. Elias Dehni and co-driver Nicola Arena (Italy), also in a Skoda Fabia, delivered an outstanding performance to clinch third place, trailing the leader by about 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Part of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC)
This event served as the penultimate round of the 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship, covering a total distance of 624.41 km, including 192.44 km across 11 timed special stages.
Feghali’s victory came only in the final stage, after a fierce back-and-forth battle with Al-Attiyah, cementing his status as the most successful driver in the history of the event.
High Drama Across Three Days
Feghali took an early lead in the Super Special Stage held Friday evening at the ATCL headquarters in Kaslik, beating Al-Attiyah by just half a second. However, the Qatari driver responded on Saturday, ending the second day with a lead of around 7 seconds.
Sunday brought four crucial special stages in the Metn North and Baabda districts, where Feghali regained the lead after recovering from an electrical issue the day before. Heading into the final stage in Zabbougha, Feghali led by a slim margin of just 1.5 seconds, setting the stage for an all-or-nothing battle. He ultimately secured the win in a breathtaking finale.
Elias Dehni Shines on the Podium
Elias Dehni, co-driven by Nicola Arena, delivered a consistent and mature performance across the three days, finishing third overall and proving his capability against the region’s best.
Final Overall Classification – Top 10
- Roger Feghali / Joseph Matar (Lebanon) – Toyota GR Yaris – 1:49:36
- Nasser Al-Attiyah / Candido Carrera (Qatar/Spain) – Skoda Fabia RS – 1:49:45
- Elias Dehni / Nicola Arena (Lebanon/Italy) – Skoda Fabia – 1:53:05
- Basil Abou Hamdan / Firas Elias (Saudi Arabia/Lebanon) – VW Polo – 1:53:33
- Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari / Giovanni Bernacchini (Qatar/Italy) – Skoda Fabia RS – 1:56:19
- Rabih Ayoub / George Nader (Lebanon) – Skoda Fabia RS – 1:56:43
- Joseph Hindi / Vicken Kanledjian (Lebanon) – Renault Clio – 1:57:32
- Tarek Younes / Salim Jlaylati (Lebanon) – Skoda Fabia – 2:00:48
- Rodrigue El Rahi / Gary Kondakjian (Lebanon) – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 – 2:01:44
- Ahmad Khaled / Omar Mazkour (Lebanon) – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 – 2:02:56
National Rally Results (Local Entrants)
- Walid Shlink / Andre Achkouti (Renault Clio RS) – 2:24:15
- Jason Wahbeh / Andre Mehanna (Citroën DS3 R) – 2:30:36
- Kamil Mcharef / Firas El Helou (Honda R) – 2:38:47
- Joey El Hajj / Naji Sfeir (Hyundai) – 2:50:30
Category Awards
- Trophy Classification: Joseph Hindi / Vicken Kanledjian
- NS3 Class: Rodrigue El Rahi / Gary Kondakjian
- RC2 N4 Class: Ahmad Khaled / Omar Mazkour
- RC4 R3T Class: Henry Kahy/ Rami Menhem
- RC2 N4 (2nd): Jad El Aawar / Moussa Djeiryan
- RC2 N4 (3rd): Rhea Dagher / Nadim Abou Elias
- Ladies’ Cup: Rhea Dagher
- NS3 (2nd): Charbel Chebli / Doline Shlink (Doline also won the Co-Driver Cup)
- RC5 Class: Tony Germanos / Joseph Kmeid
- RC4 Class: Mohammad Al Marri / Pierre Delorme
- NS2 Class: Walid Shlink / Andre Achkouti
- RC2 Class: Alex Feghali / Marc Haddad
- RC4 Rally4 (2nd): Ryan Khneisser / Christopher Beshara
- NS1 Class: Jason Wahbeh / Andre Mehanna
- NS1 (2nd): Joey El Hajj / Naji Sfeir
- RC4 (2nd): Carl Rizk / Karim Abou Elias
- RC4 (3rd): Sanim Bayakal / Moussa Sharif
- NS2 (2nd): Kamil Mcharef / Firas El Helou
- NS3 (3rd): Nady Yazbek / Elie Mehanna
Awards Ceremony in Kaslik
A grand awards ceremony took place Sunday evening at ATCL headquarters in Kaslik, in the presence of:
- Minister of Youth & Sports Dr. Noura Bairakdarian, representing President Joseph Aoun
- Brigadier General Nadim Maawad, representing Army Commander General Rodolphe Haikal
- First Lieutenant Yousef Nakouzi, representing General Edgar Lawandos, Director of State Security
- Jihad Salameh, President of the Lebanese Olympic Committee
- Roland Saadeh, Member of the Olympic Committee
- Sheikh Rachid Al-Khazen, representing the Mayor of Jounieh, Mr. Faisal Afram
- Billy Karam, ATCL President
- Eliane Hobeich, Vice President
- Kamil Edde, Secretary General
- Gilbert Mseihi, Treasurer
- ATCL Board Members, FIA Officials, Event Sponsors including Coral, and a large crowd of fans and media.
