Oman returns to international rallying for the first time since 2015 this weekend, when the Oman Automobile Association hosts the Oman International Rally, the opening round of the 2020 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
Eighteen crews tackle three days of competition on demanding gravel stages in the Al-Hajar mountains, with defending regional champion Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah top seed in his Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.
After the ceremonial start at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), timed action starts at 15.49hrs on Thursday afternoon with a short 3.55km super special stage at the OAA, which spectators are welcome to attend.
Al-Attiyah’s view
A five-time Oman Rally winner with a record 73 MERC wins, Al-Attiyah partners France’s Matthieu Baumel, himself the winner of 21 regional rallies. Crews completed administration and technical checks on Wednesday.
I am really looking forward to participate in this rally. I am pleased that the Oman International Rally has returned to the MERC again after around five years. For me, this is one of the best rallies in the Middle East.
Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah
The stages remind me a little of Rally Finland. But you can see the mountains and enjoy a different landscape. I have taken part in this rally a lot and I hope everybody will succeed and make it to the finish. Hopefully we can do our best to win the rally.
Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah
The rivals
Al-Attiyah faces two R5 rivals. His cousin Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah drives a Ford Fiesta R5, and Oman’s Abdullah Al-Ruwahi has stepped up from MERC 2 and a Subaru Impreza STi to drive another of the powerful Fords.
This is the opening round of the Middle East and it will be held in Oman. We are very happy to have the championship back here. This will be my first time participating in an R5. I am still getting used to it. I hope everything will go well. The stages in Oman are very tough and beautiful as well. The goal is to finish on the podium.
Abdullah Al-Ruwahi
Omani drivers dominate the country’s return to the regional scene, and Zakaria Al-Aufi is relishing the chance to take on his international rivals on home gravel.
I am the driver for the 968 Racing Team. I am excited for the Oman International Rally, the first round of the Middle East Rally Championship. I will be competing with a Mitsubishi Evo IX in Group N and am looking forward to the battle with the Middle East champions in this category. I will be working hard to finish in the top three in the event and to participate in more rounds of the championship this year.
Zakaria Al-Aufi
After stopping rallying for five years, I am returning at the Oman Rally. My last rally was this event in 2015. I have an N14 Subaru and am competing in Group N. The stages are very nice as usual. I know most of them, but they have been regraded and are well done.
Khalid Al-Manji