Oman International Rally: Al-Attiyah Sets New Record with Ninth Win
Sohar: Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah was crowned champion of the 2026 Oman International Rally, in its 29th edition, which concluded today in the Wilayat of Sohar in the North Al Batinah Governorate. The rally was organized by the Oman Automobile Association and formed the opening round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Al-Attiyah delivered a dominant performance, winning 10 gravel stages on his way to securing his 92nd career victory in the Middle East Rally Championship and recording a new milestone with his ninth win on Omani soil. This achievement came just one week after he claimed his sixth Dakar Rally title.
Over the three days of competition, Al-Attiyah, driving a Škoda Fabia RS under the management of the Auto Tech team, overcame challenging gravel stages despite sustaining three minor tire punctures. He ultimately clinched victory with a margin of 2 minutes and 8.8 seconds.
Omani driver Abdullah Al-Rawahi, accompanied by Jordanian navigator Atta Al-Hamoud, finished second overall after encountering more severe tire punctures that affected his overall time. Al-Rawahi nevertheless posted the fastest times in the third special stage, as well as stages 11 and 12.
In the Masters category of the Middle East Rally Championship, Al-Attiyah also achieved a strong result, finishing third overall alongside his navigator Ziad Shehab in a Ford Fiesta run by the Motortune team, marking a successful start to his title defense in the category.
Jordanian driver Shaker Juhaian, with navigator Mustafa Juma, secured fourth place overall and dominated the MERC 2 category in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10, finishing more than 11 minutes ahead of Kuwaiti driver Jassim Al-Maqahwi, who placed fifth alongside navigator Suleiman Al-Hilal.
The Middle East Rally Championship will continue with the Qatar International Rally, scheduled to take place from February 4 to 7.
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