Al-Attiyah Headlines Strong Entry for Jordan Rally 2026

Multiple regional champion Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah will lead a competitive field at next week’s Jordan Rally 2026, as organisers confirmed the official entry list for the third round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, set to take place from May 14 to 16.

Al-Attiyah, paired with Spanish navigator Candido Carrera, is aiming for a record-extending 21st regional title and his 18th victory in Jordan since 2003. He will compete in a Škoda Fabia RS entered by Autotek Motorsport, one of six Rally2 cars in the 17-strong field representing 10 nations.

Among his closest challengers is Oman’s Abdullah Al-Rawahi, who returns to full fitness alongside Jordanian co-driver Ata Al-Hmoud in a similar Škoda Fabia RS. The duo previously claimed victory in Jordan in 2023 and will be looking to reignite their title bid.

Early championship leader Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya will also be in action, teaming up with Lebanon’s Ziad Chehab in a Ford Fiesta. Saudi Arabia’s Hamza Bakhashab, currently second in the standings, will partner Irish co-driver Lorcan Moore in a Toyota GR Yaris as he targets a maiden regional title.

Jordanian driver Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez returns after engine issues disrupted his campaign earlier this season. He will be joined by Lebanese co-driver Joseph Matar in another Škoda, while Bassel Abu Hamdan and Firas Elias complete the Rally2 lineup in a Volkswagen Polo.

In the FIA MERC2 category, Jordan’s Shaker Jweihan has dominated the season so far and will aim for a third consecutive class win alongside Mustafa Juma in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. He faces competition from Oman’s Zakariya Al-Aamri and Sami Fleifel.

In MERC4, Lebanon’s Shadi El-Fakih will be targeting a third straight maximum points finish in a Renault Clio RS. Meanwhile, Jordanian female driver Farah Zakaria teams up with Dolyne Schlink in the SSV category.

The rally will feature over a dozen special stages across the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley regions, with competitors aiming to secure crucial championship points as the 2026 MERC season gathers momentum.