AL ATTIYAH HEADS FIA JORDAN RALLY FIELD

AMMAN (JORDAN): Rally record breaker Nasser Al Attiyah will lead a competitive international field for the FIA Jordan Rally which takes place from May 4-6.

Ten-time Jordan Rally winner Al Attiyah has made the event his own over the past few years and comfortably won in 2016, but things haven’t quite gone to plan for the 12-time regional champion this year.

A broken radiator forced him out of the Qatar International Rally in February, with countryman Rashed Al Naimi taking the honours, putting added pressure on him producing a win in Jordan for round two of the Middle East Rally Championship.

“It is shaping up to be a lively event,” said clerk of the course, George Khoury. “We are looking forward to putting on an occasion that everyone can enjoy, whether competing or watching.

“Nasser will undoubtedly be the man to beat but Qatar showed that anything can happen in rallying so there will be plenty of drivers hoping to spring a surprise in Jordan.”

While Al Attiyah will be keen to add to his world record 63 rally wins, Khaled Al Suwaidi of Qatar and Mshari Al Matheri of Kuwait will provide his biggest international challengers, while local drivers Khaled Juma and Maruf Abu Samra will be looking to place Jordan on the podium.

A total of 12 cars has been entered for the Middle East Rally Championship category with a further two cars added for the national rally being held over the same time.