Qatar’s rally legend Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah has once again proved why he remains the king of Middle East motorsport. The five-time Dakar champion blitzed all six special stages on the opening leg of the 2026 Jordan Rally, opening up a commanding lead of more than a minute over his nearest rival as competitors battled brutal terrain around the Dead Sea region.
A Flawless Display in the Jordan Valley
Driving his Autotek Motorsport Skoda Fabia RS alongside Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, al-Attiyah delivered a masterclass on Friday. He topped every single timed stage held across the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea areas, ending the day with a gap of 1 minute 12.8 seconds at the night halt.
The third round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship has turned into a familiar story. When al-Attiyah is on form, the rest of the field can only watch and hope for mistakes.
“It was a good feeling all day and we won every stage. We have a good gap now, a good lead,” al-Attiyah said after parking his car at the service park. “We pushed from the morning and took a good time. We managed the times this afternoon and will try and do the same tomorrow.”
His team also confirmed they sent telemetry data back to engineers for a full overnight check, leaving nothing to chance before Saturday’s decisive leg.
Tyre Gamble Backfires for al-Rawahi
The biggest casualty of the morning loop was Oman’s young charger Abdullah al-Rawahi. Partnered by Jordanian co-driver Ata al-Hmoud in the Oman Rally Team Skoda Fabia RS, the duo opted for medium compound tyres on the opening three stages and quickly regretted it.
By the midday regroup, al-Rawahi was already 51.4 seconds adrift of the leader. The afternoon loop offered no relief, with the gravel surfaces and rising desert temperatures further punishing his earlier setup choice.
Despite the setback, al-Rawahi remains firmly in second place overall and within striking distance if conditions on day two throw up any surprises.
Standings After Leg One
The opening day reshuffled the championship picture in dramatic fashion. Here is how the leading runners stack up heading into the final leg:
| Position | Crew | Car | Gap to Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nasser al-Attiyah / Candido Carrera | Skoda Fabia RS | Leader |
| 2 | Abdullah al-Rawahi / Ata al-Hmoud | Skoda Fabia RS | +1:12.8 |
| 3 | Hamza Bakhashab / Jakub Wrobel | Skoda Fabia RS | Chasing podium |
Saudi Arabia’s Hamza Bakhashab is tackling his first full MERC programme this season and continues to gain valuable experience on these technical stages. The young Saudi has shown encouraging pace despite limited mileage on Jordanian roads.
Why This Rally Matters for the Championship
The Jordan Rally is more than just another round. It is a key momentum builder in a tightly fought MERC season, and al-Attiyah knows that a maximum points haul here would strengthen his grip on a record-extending regional title.
Key reasons the Dead Sea round carries extra weight:
- Championship leverage: Bonus points on offer for stage wins and overall victory.
- Tyre strategy lessons: Crews are learning how compound choices affect the rocky, abrasive surfaces unique to Jordan.
- Dakar preparation: Several drivers, including al-Attiyah, use the event as a sharpener for upcoming cross country campaigns.
- Rising talent showcase: Saudi, Omani, and Jordanian youngsters are using the rally to test themselves against a true world champion.
The event is being run out of a base near the Dead Sea, with stages snaking through some of the lowest elevation roads on Earth. Temperatures touched the mid 30s Celsius during the afternoon loop, making tyre management and hydration critical factors.
What Comes Next on Saturday
The second leg promises more drama, with crews set to tackle a fresh set of stages before the ceremonial finish. Al-Attiyah’s plan is simple and ruthless: protect the lead, avoid risks, and bring the car home.
Local fans are expected to line the stages in big numbers, especially as Jordanian co-driver Ata al-Hmoud carries home hopes alongside al-Rawahi. The pressure on the Omani crew to close the gap will be enormous.
For al-Attiyah, history is also at stake. Another Jordan Rally win would further cement his status as the most successful driver in the championship’s long history, adding to a trophy cabinet that already includes multiple Dakar titles and a World Rally Championship 2 crown.
As the desert sun sets over the Dead Sea and the service crews work deep into the night, one thing feels certain. Stopping Nasser al-Attiyah on Saturday will take something extraordinary, and the entire Middle East rally community is watching to see if anyone can rise to the challenge. Drop your predictions in the comments below and tell us who you think will stand on the top step in Amman.
