Doha, February 07 (QNA) - Qatari driver Abdulaziz Al Kuwari has clinched the Qatar International Rally title, which forms the second round of the 2026 Middle East Rally Championship, contested over three days with a terrific participation.

Al Kuwari, alongside his co-driver and brother Nasser, in a Skoda Fabia R5 Rally2, ended a ten-year wait to achieve their third victory in the Middle East Rally Championship, as well as their second Qatar win, 14 years after their inaugural triumph in 2012 in a Mini S2000.

He completed the 12 special stages of the Qatar Rally with a total time of 1:59:21.7, taking first place by 5:08.8 minutes ahead of Saudi driver Hamza Bakhshab and his Irish co-driver Lorcan Moore in a Toyota GR Yaris, who finished second in 2:04:30.5.

Qatari driver Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, with Lebanese co-driver Ziad Shehab in a Ford Fiesta, snagged third place with a total time of 2:10:51.7, while Jordanian Shaker Jouihan and co-driver Mustafa Jumaa in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 finished fourth in 2:19:50.9. Qatari Nawaf Al Suwaidi, with Lithuanian co-driver Aisvydas Paliukinas in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, finished fifth at 2:21:57.8.

Al Kuwari achieved the deserved title, having clawed back the lead after trailing for three-quarters of the rally behind Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, the six-time Dakar Rally champion, whose Skoda Fabia R5 Rally2 suffered a damaged wheel and suspension issues after nine special stages.

Following Al Attiyah's withdrawal while in the lead, Al Kuwari and Nasser avoided mishaps during the remaining three special stages, securing their second Qatar victory together.

Al Kuwari extended his regional victories to three, having previously won the Cyprus International Rally in 2014, and the Oman International Rally the same year, then a trial round for joining the Middle East championship.

Nasser Al Kuwari successfully returned to the co-driver seat after announcing his retirement from motorsports last year.

Abdulaziz Al Kuwari expressed his gratification at winning the Qatar Rally, a title he hadn't claimed in 14 years, noting that he encouraged his brother to return after retirement, concluding his national rally career successfully.

The 2024 Middle East champion told the press that returning and winning the Qatar Rally was incredible, highlighting that he did not push the car to 100% and avoided any penalties or punctures, displaying his knack for maintaining steady performance under pressure. 

He added that his team did a remarkable job in the Qatar Rally, which culminated in success and winning the title, expressing his gratitude to the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and the Sarazan Motorsport team for their support, while hoping to continue and complete the remaining rounds of the Middle East Championship.

For his part, Nasser Al Kuwari settled on the fact that he felt the achievement of victory in the Qatar Rally when his brother encouraged him and tried to convince him to return and participate in the rally, expressing his happiness with this win and the conclusion of his sporting career in an incredible manner in his homeland, Qatar.

Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah lost his chance for a 19th Qatar Rally win after damaging his left rear tire and suspension by the ninth stage. Al Attiyah and co-driver Candido Carrera attempted emergency roadside repairs, but the damage forced his eventual withdrawal.

Saudi driver Hamza Bakhashab and co-driver Lorcan Moore secured second overall, overtaking Qatari Mohammed Al Marri and co-driver Pierre Delorme, who retired after mechanical issues.

Qatari Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah and co-driver Ziad Chehab finished third in the Qatar Rally and took the lead in the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) overall standings. Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah also leads the MERC Masters category after consecutive full-point wins, highlighting his experience and skill despite 32 years of age.

Jordanian Shaker Jweihan and co-driver Mustafa Juma dominated the MERC2 category, finishing fourth overall despite early suspension damage. Qatari Nawaf Al Suwaidi and co-driver Aisvydas Paliukinas took the lead in MERC4, benefiting from fellow Qataris' retirements, finishing fifth overall.

Qatari Ahmed Al Kuwari finished sixth, Italians Cristiano Gabarini and Alessandro Forni were seventh, and Omanis Zakariya Al Aamri and Mohammed Al Mazroui placed eighth.

Lebanese Charbel Chebly and co-driver Carlos Hanna finished third in MERC2 (ninth overall), while Indian Mohammed Mansoor Parol and Lenin Hozief completed the top ten. Omani Abdullah Al Rawahi withdrew after multiple tire punctures and back pain from a previous accident, affecting his overall ranking. (QNA)