Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa Al Atya in action
Muscat: Abdullah Al Ruwahi dominated the opening leg of the Oman Rally Sohar International 2021 and surged into a commanding lead of 13min 40.2sec after six special stages yesterday.
Partnered by Jordanian co-driver Ata Al Hmoud, the Omani won all the day’s twisty and technical timed tests in his new SRT Škoda Fabia Evo and is firmly on course to become the first local driver ever to win a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. The only cause of concern during the day was a rear puncture near the end of SS3, although Al Ruwahi was able to finish the stage without issues.
Zakariyah and Mohammed Al Amri hold second place and the MERC2 lead at the night halt, although Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa Al Atya and his Italian co-pilot Giovanni Bernacchini are a close third in their Ford Fiesta R5, despite losing time on the fourth Al Khoud stage with a left-hand rear puncture.
The Jordanian duo of Ihab Al Shorafa and Asem Aref held fourth and fifth overall with the latter on track to secure the MERC3 title today in his two-wheel drive Renault Clio RS.
Oman’s Jarah Al-Touqi and Faisal Al Rashdi rounded off the international leader board in their Subarus. Al Touqi overcame engine-related delays on SS2 and mechanical woes also cost Al Rashdi time on several occasions.
First round winner Haitham Al Soomar dominated the early exchanges on the second round of the Oman Rally Championship in his Mitsubishi Lancer before losing his lead and the win to Hamed Al Qasmi on the sixth stage. He eventually finished in third place behind Waheeb Al Khuraisi’s Toyota Yaris.
Today, crews tackle a further six timed special stages before the ceremonial finish at Al-Qurum. Runs through Abyad (13.09km), Qalqal (17.17km) and Nakhal (19.26km) precede another regroup and service stop.
The three specials are repeated in the afternoon before the prize giving and podium finish take place from 16.52hrs onwards.
