Saudi Arabia Returns to MERC After a 12-Year Hiatus, Set to Debut in WRC
The Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) returns to Saudi Arabia for the first time since 2010 this weekend (April 30-May 3), serving as a dress rehearsal for the Kingdom’s World Rally Championship (WRC) debut in November.
**Rally Saudi Arabia: Regaining lost glory**
After a decade-long absence, Saudi Arabia is reclaiming its spot in the regional rally scene, hosting a round of the MERC for the first time since 2010. The event will also act as a crucial pre-WRC test for the country’s asphalt and gravel stages.
**Star power and rivalries**
- Qatar’s
Flying Doctor
Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, fresh from back-to-back wins in Oman and Qatar, leads the charge with a 22-point cushion in the Drivers’ Championship. The 2022 WRC2 champ, partnered by Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, eyes a record-extending 20th regional title in 2023. - R Morte a big challenge comes from the Finnish pairing of Juho Hänninen and Janni Hussi, entered by Toyota Gazoo Racing to gather valuable data ahead of the WRC debut.
- Local hopes rest on Rakan Al-Rashed, trailing the leader by 22 points, albeit absent from this week’s entry list.
**New stages and iconic circuits**
Competitors will tackle 192.24 km of brand new gravel stages near Jeddah, repeated twice, including parts set to be used in the WRC event later this year.
**Rally HQ and route details**
The Rally HQ will be based out of the Race Tower at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with competitors facing an expansive route of 824.35 km over two days.
**Follow the action**
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for live updates, results, and analysis from Rally Saudi Arabia!
## **FAQs**
1. **When was the last time Saudi Arabia hosted the MERC?**
The last time Saudi Arabia hosted a round of the MERC was in 2010.
2. **Who is the current championship leader?**
Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah leads the MERC Drivers’ Championship.
3. **When will the WRC first arrive in Saudi Arabia?**
The WRC will make its debut in Saudi Arabia in November 2023.
## **Pro Tip**
Keep an eye on local driver Rakan Al-Rashed. While he’s absent from this week’s entry list, he’s hot on Al-Attiyah’s heels in the standings and is a threat whenever he’s on the stages.