(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Top-class rallying returns to the sultanate after seven years with the Oman International Rally set to take place from October 30-November 1 as a candidate event for the 2015 FIA-Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
The terrain in Oman has always been known to provide a tough test for the drivers and it was no surprise when Hani Shaban a member of the FIA world motor sports' governing body said 'The sultanate offers some of the best stages a few of which are world-class. Oman will be a challenging venue for the regional drivers who will take part in the Oman International Rally.'
A file picture of action during the 2007 Oman International Rally.
Shaban who has been named the Clerk of the Course for the Oman rally is 'pretty sure' of the sultanate returning to the MERC calendar next year.
'I have visited the course and I am impressed with it. I am sure Oman will make it to the calendar next year' said the Syrian. Besides Oman the MERC candidate events this season saw drivers travel to Iran while another rally will be held in Abu Dhabi from October 17-18. Shaban said there will be no issues in adding three more rallies to the MERC raising the total number from six to nine. Speaking about the rally Shaban said 'I have visited the proposed course and I have suggested some changes. The total distance of the special stages will be around 180km with a total of 12 special stages to be held. The total distance of the rally will be about 700km.'
He added 'I had a series of meetings with the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) officials for safe and smooth organising. The safety of drivers spectators and officials is paramount.' A total of 30 drivers including seven to eight Omanis are expected to take part in the rally which was last held in 2007.
Shaban admitted that general interest in the MERC has gone down over the years and there is a need to attract young drivers and infuse fresh blood. Meanwhile Suleiman al Rawahi the managing director of the OAA said all preparations are in place for the rally and the opening day will have a spectator stage on the OAA's premises where the drivers will compete on a gravel and asphalt course.
Rawahi said 'We are also planning to involve schools in a safety campaign where the students will take part in a helmet designing competition with a motto on road safety. It will be done in cooperation with the Oman Road Saftey Organisation and the ROP Traffic Institute.' T
he OAA official added 'Ahmad al Harthy Oman's motor sports hero is expected to give a demo in his Aston Martin Vantage GT3 car on the Muscat Speedway go-karting track. Besides that we will have a drift competition with regional and local race drivers showcasing their skills.'
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