What Is 2019 Middle East Rally Championship

Overview

The 2019 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) was a premier regional rally series recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), designed to promote motorsport across the Arab world and neighboring nations. It featured a seven-round calendar, drawing top regional and international drivers competing in diverse terrain from deserts to mountain roads.

Organized by the FIA in collaboration with local motorsport federations, the 2019 season emphasized safety, technical parity, and regional cooperation. Each rally tested competitors over multiple stages, with points awarded based on finishing positions to determine the final standings.

• Seven rallies: The championship included events in Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Cyprus, each held between February and November 2019.
• Nasser Al-Attiyah: The Qatari driver secured his 18th MERC title, dominating the season with consistent podium finishes and four outright rally wins.
• FIA regulations: All rallies adhered to FIA Appendix K rules, ensuring standardized safety and vehicle classifications across the series.
• Regional participation: Over 45 crews from 12 countries competed, including notable names like Rollan Al-Otaibi and Ahmed Al-Kuwari.
• Event structure: Each rally lasted 2–3 days, with special stages totaling between 250 and 350 kilometers of competitive driving.

How It Works

The MERC operates as a points-based rally series where drivers and co-drivers accumulate standings across multiple events, with final rankings determined at season’s end.

• Scoring system: Points were awarded to the top 10 finishers, with 25 points for first place, decreasing incrementally to 1 point for 10th.
• Vehicle categories: Competitors raced in Group N, RGT, and T2 categories, each with specific technical regulations and homologation requirements.
• Event duration: Each rally spanned two to three days, including reconnaissance, ceremonial starts, and timed special stages.
• Timekeeping: Results were determined by cumulative stage times, with penalties applied for late or early arrivals in time controls.
• Championship titles: Separate titles were awarded for Drivers, Co-Drivers, and Nations, based on aggregated performance.
• Safety protocols: All events required FIA-compliant roll cages, fire suppression systems, and mandatory safety briefings for all participants.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 MERC with other regional rally championships:

The 2019 MERC stood out for its compact calendar and desert-focused stages, contrasting with the tarmac-heavy ERC or forest-based APRC. Despite fewer rounds than the WRC, MERC maintained high competitiveness, with Škoda Fabia R5s winning 5 of 7 events, showcasing technical adaptability.

Why It Matters

The 2019 MERC played a pivotal role in advancing motorsport infrastructure and visibility across the Middle East, supporting regional talent and attracting international attention.

• Driver development: The series served as a launchpad for Gulf drivers, offering FIA-sanctioned experience without traveling to Europe.
• Economic impact: Each event generated over $200,000 in local spending on logistics, hospitality, and security.
• Media exposure: Broadcasts reached over 40 countries via FIA and national networks, boosting regional motorsport profiles.
• Women in rallying: Female co-drivers like Colette Sinclair participated, promoting gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
• Technical innovation: Harsh desert conditions pushed teams to develop advanced cooling and suspension systems for reliability.
• Regional diplomacy: The championship fostered cooperation among 7 national motorsport federations, strengthening cross-border ties.

By combining competitive racing with regional development, the 2019 MERC not only crowned champions but also laid groundwork for sustainable motorsport growth in the Arab world.