Al Rawahi Targets Second Consecutive Win at Jordan National Rally

Published: September 17, 2026

Omani rally star Abdullah al Rawahi heads to the shores of the Dead Sea this weekend with renewed confidence and a clear goal: to claim his second straight victory in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). The fifth round of the 2026 season, the Jordan National Rally, marks a crucial step in his ongoing adaptation to the Škoda Fabia R5, the car he first drove to a win in the previous round.

Al Rawahi’s momentum is hard to ignore. Just weeks ago, he and his Jordanian co-driver Atta al Hamoud dominated the previous MERC round, setting the fastest times on multiple stages. That performance not only gave them the overall win but also provided valuable data on the Fabia R5’s behavior under competitive conditions. “We learned a lot about the car’s handling and setup preferences,” Al Rawahi said in a pre‑rally interview. “The goal now is to refine everything further and repeat that success here in Jordan.”

The decision to enter the Jordan National Rally was not taken lightly. Al Rawahi had been forced to withdraw from the 2026 Lebanon International Rally due to security concerns in the region. Rather than sitting idle, the Omani driver opted for an additional competition to gain extra seat time—an approach that reflects his methodical, data‑driven mindset. “Missing Lebanon was disappointing, but I believe every challenge has a silver lining. This rally gives us the chance to test new suspension settings and tire strategies that we couldn’t try elsewhere,” he explained.

The Dead Sea venue presents a unique set of challenges. The route combines fast gravel sections with narrow, rocky stretches that demand precise car control. High ambient temperatures—often exceeding 40°C (104°F)—push both driver and machine to the limit. Al Rawahi’s team has been working around the clock to tailor the Fabia R5’s cooling system and engine mapping to these conditions. “Heat management is critical here. We’ve made adjustments to the radiator airflow and the intercooler ducting to ensure consistent performance over the entire stage,” said lead engineer Marco Vettori, who flew in from Italy specifically for this rally.

Al Rawahi’s co‑driver, Atta al Hamoud, brings local knowledge that could prove decisive. As a Jordanian himself, al Hamoud has intimate familiarity with the terrain, having competed in the National Rally several times before. “Atta knows exactly where the road narrows and where the loose gravel hides. His pace notes add a layer of confidence that lets me push harder,” Al Rawahi noted. The duo’s chemistry has been building steadily since they first teamed up earlier this year, and their communication over the intercom has become almost instinctive.

From a championship perspective, the stakes are high. Al Rawahi currently sits third in the drivers’ standings, but a win in Jordan could vault him into contention for the overall title. The gap to the leader is just 12 points, and with three rounds remaining after this one, every point matters. “We’re not looking at the table too much. Our philosophy is to take each stage, each corner as it comes. If we execute our plan, the results will follow,” he said.

The entry list for the Jordan National Rally includes several regional heavyweights. Qatari veteran Nasser Khalifa al‑Attiyah is also competing, driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2. Al‑Attiyah is known for his blistering pace on fast gravel, but he has struggled with reliability in recent outings. Meanwhile, Emirati driver Mohamed al‑Sayed returns to a championship round after a two‑event break, piloting a Hyundai i20 R5. Analysts expect a three‑way battle for the podium.

Al Rawahi’s preparation has been meticulous. Apart from the on‑track testing, he has spent hours in the simulator with his team, replicating the Dead Sea stages based on GPS data from previous years. “Simulation allows us to try different brake bias settings and throttle maps without wearing out the car. It’s a cost‑effective way to speed up our learning curve,” he said. The team has also brought a spare engine and gearbox, a precaution born from the extreme heat that can accelerate component fatigue.

Security remains a consideration. The Jordan Rally Federation has confirmed that additional safety measures are in place along the route, including drone surveillance and rapid‑response medical units. These precautions have reassured Al Rawahi and his crew, who said they feel “completely safe” at the Dead Sea venue.

The rally kicks off on Friday, September 18, with a ceremonial start in Amman before the first special stage in the afternoon. A total of 15 stages covering 240 kilometers are scheduled over the weekend. Fans can follow live timing on the MERC official website, and a highlights package will air on Motorsport.tv.

For Al Rawahi, the Jordan National Rally is more than just another race. It is an opportunity to validate the work done behind the scenes, to turn a setback into a stepping stone, and to prove that the Fabia R5 can be a consistent winner. “Every rally teaches us something new. After Jordan, we will be even stronger for the remaining championship rounds,” he concluded with a smile.

As the sun sets over the Dead Sea, the Omani driver will be focused on one thing: crossing the finish line first, once again.