Lusail: Participants in the 2026 Qatar International Rally, the second round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, organized by the FIA (F©d©ration Internationale de l'Automobile), have confirmed their readiness to compete in this global event, praised the exceptional organizational atmosphere of the event in all aspects, and expressed their hopes of completing the difficult stages of the rally and achieving victory.
According to Qatar News Agency, this update came during the pre-event press conference held on Tuesday by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) at the Lusail Circuit, ahead of the start of the Qatar Rally, which will take place from February 4 to 7, with 22 cars and participants from 12 countries competing.
In his address, QMMF Executive Director Amr Al Hamad wished the participants success, noting that the Federation, under the leadership of Abdulrahman Al Mannai, is always striving to develop motorsport and the Qatar Rally, and to provide a distinctive and safe experience for both drivers and fans.
He explained that, for the first time in rally history, a qualifying stage is being held to determine starting positions. This allows each team to develop a different strategy for planning and preparation, unlike previous years when a ceremonial start was held before the rally. He also expressed his appreciation to all those working at the federation for their continuous efforts in developing the rally stages and ensuring the success of all events held in Qatar.
He noted that the new modifications to this year's Qatar Rally come with the support and encouragement of the federation's president, who strives to introduce innovative changes each season. He pointed out that this year's rally stages have been improved in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, and roads and tracks have been cleaned to ensure safety and enhance the level of competition.
The QMMF Executive Director concluded his statement by emphasizing that the decision to return the rally to the Lusail International Circuit, rather than a tourist area as in recent years, was made to facilitate the process for drivers.
For his part, Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, a 20-time Middle East Rally Champion, stressed that the Qatar Rally is one of the most important and challenging rounds of the Middle East Championship. He attributed this to the difficulty of navigating its diverse routes, characterized by varied terrain and rough roads, expressing his gratitude to the QMMF for organizing the event, as well as to all those involved in its success.
In his address, Al Attiyah stated that he is keen to participate in any event held in Qatar and that he will strive for victory, while also working with his teammates to achieve success in the various categories.
He added that this year's rally is completely different from previous years, as they usually competed against drivers from Europe. However, he emphasized the strength and prestige of the Qatar Rally and its reputation, both regionally and globally, regardless of the participating drivers. He stressed that it is very important for him to give his all to achieve victory.
Al Attiyah expressed his readiness to participate in the event, stating that he will work on implementing a smart driving strategy without mistakes or risks to his tires, in his quest to achieve his 93rd victory in the Middle East Championship, a historic record that surpasses the achievements of French driver Sebastien Loeb at the regional level.