What Is 2018 Middle East Rally Championship

Overview

The 2018 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) marked the 36th edition of the FIA-sanctioned regional rally series, bringing together top drivers from across the Middle East and beyond. The season spanned from February to November and featured seven high-intensity rally events across diverse terrains, from desert stages to mountainous roads.

Organized under FIA regulations, the championship emphasized speed, navigation, and endurance across varied conditions. The 2018 season was particularly notable for the dominance of Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, who extended his record as the most successful driver in MERC history.

• Seven rallies made up the 2018 calendar, starting with the Qatar International Rally in February and concluding with the Cyprus Rally in November.
• Nasser Al-Attiyah claimed the drivers’ title, driving a Skoda Fabia R5, securing his 18th MERC championship in the process.
• The 2018 Jordan Rally, held in September, served as the decisive event where Al-Attiyah clinched the title with two rounds remaining.
• Events were held in Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Cyprus, UAE, and Oman, showcasing the regional reach of the championship.
• Each rally typically spanned three days, featuring over 200 competitive kilometers of special stages, with time-based scoring.

How It Works

The MERC operates as a regional FIA championship, awarding points based on stage finishes across each rally event. Drivers and co-drivers compete in categories defined by vehicle specifications, with overall winners determined by cumulative time.

• Points System: The FIA awards points to the top 10 finishers in each rally, with 25 points for first place, decreasing incrementally down to 1 point for 10th.
• Vehicle Classes: Competitors are grouped into categories such as R5, Group N, and S2000, ensuring fair competition across performance levels.
• Co-Driver Role: Co-drivers read pace notes aloud, enabling drivers to anticipate corners and terrain changes over high-speed gravel or tarmac stages.
• Stage Format: Each rally consists of multiple timed stages, often totaling 150–300 kilometers of competitive driving, separated by transit sections.
• Regional Participation: While open to international entries, the 2018 season saw strong representation from Qatari, Jordanian, and Lebanese teams.
• Championship Scoring: Drivers’ best six results from the seven rallies counted toward the final standings, allowing for one dropped score.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key MERC events in the 2018 season:

The table highlights the dominance of the Skoda Fabia R5 platform, which won four of the seven rallies. Nasser Al-Attiyah’s consistency across desert and tarmac stages gave him a decisive edge, while international drivers like Chris Atkinson added competitive depth in the final rounds.

Why It Matters

The 2018 MERC season reinforced the region’s growing role in international motorsport and showcased the professionalism of local organizing bodies. It also served as a proving ground for drivers aiming to compete in the World Rally Championship.

• Driver Development: The MERC provides a competitive platform for emerging talents from the Middle East to gain FIA experience.
• Regional Unity: The championship fosters motorsport collaboration across Arab and Mediterranean nations, promoting cross-border competition.
• Technical Innovation: Teams use the series to test desert cooling systems and suspension setups under extreme conditions.
• Media Exposure: Broadcast partnerships increased visibility, with live timing and highlights available across Arabic and international networks.
• Economic Impact: Each rally brings tourism and investment to host regions, with events like the Jordan Rally attracting thousands of spectators.
• Legacy Building: Al-Attiyah’s 18th title underscored his status as a regional sports icon and inspired a new generation of Arab rally drivers.

The 2018 Middle East Rally Championship was not only a testament to individual excellence but also a milestone in the region’s motorsport evolution, setting the stage for future growth and international recognition.