Sohar, Oman — Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah reinforced his status as the undisputed king of Middle East rallying by clinching a record‑breaking ninth victory at the 29th Oman International Rally, the opening round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). The Emirati‑windswept gravel of the Hajar Mountains proved yet again his proving ground, with Al Attiyah dominating pace, tactics and technical execution over three grueling days of competition.

This victory isn’t just another tally in his storied career — it marks his 92nd MERC win, extending a legacy that continues to redefine rally sport in the region.

 

 

Masterclass in Oman: From Gravel to Glory

Al Attiyah, co‑driven by Candido Carrera (ESP), delivered a masterclass performance. In his Autotek Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, he won 10 of the 13 gravel stages, showcasing not only blistering pace but also mechanical sympathy — critical in keeping the car competitive over varied terrain.

Despite battling three slow punctures, he maintained composure and pace, ultimately crossing the finish line with a clear margin of 2min 08.8sec over his closest rival.

Al Attiyah reflected on the win as “another record” and highlighted both the performance and the challenge: “We did a great race without any mistakes. We saved the tyres on the first two stages to push on the Power Stage.”

 

 

The Rivals: Al Rawahi’s Brave Comeback and Masters Cup Glory

While Al Attiyah’s name topped the leaderboard, the battle behind him was equally compelling:

• Abdullah Al Rawahi (OMA) finished second, delighting Omani fans with a strong performance despite a string of punctures. The result marked a remarkable comeback after a long injury hiatus, with Al Rawahi and his Jordanian co‑driver Ata Al‑Hmoud clinching multiple stage wins and pressing hard throughout the rally.
• Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah rounded out the podium in third and also won the MERC Masters Cup, adding another competitive layer to Qatar’s rally dominance this weekend. 

 

 

Setbacks for Qatari Contenders

Not every Qatari competitor enjoyed smooth sailing:
Mohammed Al Marri and Rashed Al Mohannadi were forced to retire due to mechanical issues, both while leading their respective classes earlier in the rally — a stark reminder of rallying’s unforgiving nature.

Their retirements deny Qatar additional podiums but underscore the high stakes and mechanical attrition that separate champions from challengers in MERC’s tough opening round.

 

 

What This Means for MERC 2026

Al Attiyah’s Oman victory reinforces his early championship momentum and sets an appetizing tone for the 2026 MERC season. With 92 career wins, his target will be not only consistency but further records as rivals look to close the gap.

Turning Focus to Qatar

All eyes now shift to the Qatar International Rally — Round 2 of MERC — scheduled for February 5‑7, 2026 in Doha. The event ushers rally teams back home, where terrain, local knowledge and crowd energy could significantly influence championship trajectories.

For Al Attiyah, a strong performance at home could expand his record lead. For emerging contenders like Al Rawahi and others, Doha represents both opportunity and challenge as the championship unfolds.

 

 

Technical Takeaways and Strategic Themes

1. Car and Crew Synergy
Al Attiyah’s result underscores the importance of a cohesive driver‑navigator partnership. Carrera’s sixth MERC win alongside Al Attiyah cements their status as one of the region’s most successful duos.

2. Tyre Management Over Power
Winning 10 of 13 stages was impressive, but the strategic tyre management — even while suffering punctures — illustrates that rally success is as much about preservation as it is about outright speed.

3. Depth of Competition
Al Rawahi’s comeback performance reveals deepening competition, especially among drivers returning from setbacks. Mechanical retirements for some of Qatar’s hopefuls also highlight the mechanical demands of gravel rally stages.