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3. Jezzine Rally: Roger Feghali Keeps His Throne, with Ayoub and Dehni on His Heels

Unbeatable, untouchable, unwearable: Roger Feghali once again soared over the roads of Jezzine. While the master reigned, his runners-up fought for the crumbs in a thrilling battle.

Roger Feghali and his co-driver Joseph Matar, behind the wheel of their brand-new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, dominated the 12th edition of the Jezzine Rally, the second round of the 2025 Lebanese Rally Championship, organized by the ATCL in the district of the same name. A demonstration of mastery for the multiple champion, who left no one else in charge of leading the dance. This is Roger Feghali’s 10th victory in twelve participations, an exceptional feat if there ever was one.

Under a scorching sun and before a crowd that came in large numbers to settle along the winding roads of Southern Lebanon, the driver from Zouk Mikael reminded everyone why he has ruled Lebanese rallies for two decades. He posted the best time on all seven special stages of the day, completing the course in 58 minutes and 3 seconds — under the symbolic one-hour mark.

With a total of 237.02 km, including 93.18 km timed, the route designed by the ATCL offered a varied menu, alternating technical sections, fast sections and a spectacle stage. Of the 22 crews entered, only 13 crossed the finish line, the others having been forced to retire due to mechanical problems or off-road excursions.

Distance Duel for Second Place

Behind the untouchable Feghali, the battle for the runner-up position raged fiercely. Rabih Ayoub, behind the wheel of a Škoda Fabia R5, brilliantly resisted the repeated attacks from Elias Dehni, also driving a Fabia. The duel, intense but clean, was decided by seconds. Ayoub finally prevailed with a 19-second lead over Dehni, who posted one of the best results of his career.

As for Abou-Hamdan, who had a promising start, he had to throw in the towel due to a mechanical issue, leaving the field open for outsiders and young wolves.

Feghali Junior Alert, Hindy on Fire in RC3

Several performances stood out behind the top three. Alex Feghali, son of the champion, continues to impress. With his co-driver Marc Haddad, he finished fifth overall and first in the RC2 R4 category with his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. At 21 years old, he confirms race after race that soon he will have to be counted on to shake up the established order.

In RC3, Joseph Hindy and Vicken Kanledjian distinguished themselves in their Renault Clio, posting an overall time of 1:02:15. Henry Kahy (Citroën DS3 R3T), seventh overall, and the young Ryan Khneisser (Peugeot 208 R2), eighth and winner of the Juniors Trophy, also shone.

All Category Winners

• RC2 Rally2: Roger Feghali / Joseph Matar
• RC3 Rally3: Joseph Hindy / Vicken Kanledjian
• RC2 R4: Alex Feghali / Marc Haddad
• RC4 R3T: Henry Kahy / Ramy Menhem
• NS4: Houssam Tarabay / Youssef Saleh
• RC4 Rally4 + Juniors Trophy: Ryan Khneisser / Christopher Bechara
• NS3: Charbel Chebly / Dolyne Schlink
• RC5 Rally5: Tony Germanos / Joseph Kmeid
• RC4 R3: Albert Hayek / Louai Sakr
• Women’s Cup: Anna Simone Yazbeck

A Hegemony That Never Tires

The awards ceremony was held in front of the Jezzine municipality, in the presence of the president of the municipal council David el-Helou, vice-president Dr. Youssef Rahal and several council members. The organizing club, the ATCL, was represented by Georges Ghanem, delegate of the president of the organizing committee, as well as Imad Lahoud, board member and president of the motorsports commission. Also present were Gaby Kreiker, head of the sports department, Nicolas Hindi, race director, Ziad Jamous, president of the sports commissioners’ panel, along with all members of this panel. All praised the success of this 12th edition of the Jezzine Rally, which took place without major incident and in an exemplary sporting spirit. Faces were tired, car bodies sometimes dented, but the smiles were clearly there.

And Roger Feghali? Untouchable. Again. Too much? Perhaps. But in this sport where everything can change in a turn, he remains a rock. Some speak of boredom, others of legend. One thing is sure: in Lebanon, Feghali doesn’t drive, he soars.