2025 FIA MERC kicks off in Oman in January; Qatar to host round two

MUSCAT: The 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) is set to commence with the Oman International Rally, scheduled for January 23-25, 2025.

The event marks Oman's return to the MERC calendar after a year's absence, reinstating its pivotal role in the regional rally scene.

Organised by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), the rally will be based in Sohar, within the North Al Batinah Governorate.

The three-day event will kick off on Thursday, January 23, from the Entertainment Centre in Sohar. Competitive stages are planned for Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25, traversing areas in Sohar, Shinas, and Liwa provinces, notably around Al Buraimi Road.

Spectators can look forward to dedicated viewing spots, including the Al Jizzi Dam and Al Uwaynah Stage, offering safe vantage points to witness the rally action.

Following the Oman International Rally, the championship will proceed to Qatar for the second round.

The Qatar International Rally is slated for February 6-8, with Lusail serving as the base of operations.

The event will feature 13 timed special stages covering 212.64 competitive kilometres within a total route of 627.19 kilometres.

Scrutineering will take place at the Lusail International Circuit, with media and administrative functions managed from the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) offices.

The rally will commence with a 4.36km asphalt special stage on the evening of February 6, followed by two days of desert gravel stages in the northern regions of Qatar.

The reinstatement of the Oman International Rally and the introduction of new events, such as the Saudi Arabia Rally, underscore the MERC's commitment to expanding and diversifying rallying in the Middle East. Competitors and fans alike can anticipate a dynamic and challenging series throughout the 2025 season.

The 2025 MERC calendar, as approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, includes the following events: January 23-25: Oman International Rally; February 6-8: Qatar International Rally; May 1-3: Saudi Arabia Rally; May 22-24: Jordan Rally; September 7-9: Rally of Lebanon; October 4-6: Cyprus Rally