- 11:30
Same setting, same story. Roger Feghali, imperious as ever, claims victory in the very first Batroun Rally, the third round of the 2025 Lebanese Rally Championship. At the wheel of his Toyota GR Yaris, the veteran once again proves he remains the undisputed master of Lebanon’s special stages.
The scene was set: scorching sun, burning asphalt, tight corners, and motorsport fans lining the roads of the Batroun district. For this debut edition, organized by the ATCL in partnership with the municipality, the show lived up to expectations… and Roger Feghali once again delivered a masterclass.
Accompanied by his loyal co-driver Joseph Matar, the multiple-time Lebanese champion dominated the race from start to finish, setting the fastest time right from the opening superspecial through the old streets of Batroun. He never relinquished the lead, chaining fastest stage times with the consistency of a metronome across a total route of 163.57 km, including 92.17 km of timed special stages.
Youth Resists, Feghali Persists
Behind the leader, the battle was intense. Elias el-Dehni, solid and consistent in his Skoda Fabia, secured second place on the podium alongside Thierry Rouhana. Rabih Ayoub, also in a Skoda, completed the top three with Georges Nader by his side.
18 cars crossed the finish line out of 21 starters: a selective course that saw the Omani-Jordanian duo Abdallah al-Rawahi / Atta Hammoud crash out early on Day 2, as the heat became suffocating in the heights of Batroun.
A Third Consecutive Victory for Feghali
After wins in Printemps and Jezzine, Roger Feghali has collected a third trophy in as many rounds and is heading straight toward yet another national title. Untouchable on Lebanese roads, he continues to write his legend with remarkable ease.
“This victory has a special flavor. Batroun deserved a rally of this caliber,” Feghali said, helmet in hand, under the applause of an adoring crowd.
Clean Sweep in the Categories
Roger Feghali didn’t just win the overall. He also clinched victory in the RC2-R4 category, while Elias el-Dehni took top honors in RC2-Rally2. In the women’s field, Rhea Dagher reaffirmed her dominance with another win, claiming the ladies’ cup.
Also worth noting: the strong performances of Karl Rizk (RC4-R3T and Junior Driver), Rodrigue el-Raï (NS3 and Veteran), Ryan Khneisser (RC4-Rally4), and Alex Feghali (RC2-R4), who finished the race despite recording a modest time.
Final Word
Organized with the support of the Batroun Municipality and supervised by the organizing club, this first edition of the Batroun Rally is already a highlight of the calendar. Next stop: The Cedars… but who can dethrone Roger Feghali? Spoiler: no one seems in a hurry.
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