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Forty-seven editions, legendary drivers, mythical turns: the Rally of Lebanon returns, true to its spirit—where adrenaline meets history.

The countdown is on. From September 4 to 7, 2025, the 47th Rally of Lebanon will roar into action under the patronage of the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and organized by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL).

 

This edition, the fifth round and penultimate stage of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), promises fireworks: four days of competition covering a total of 624.41 kilometers, including 192.44 kilometers of special stages spread across 11 timed sections through Kesrouan, Byblos, Batroun, and Metn.

 

The ceremonial start will take place on Thursday, September 4, at 8:00 PM in front of Jounieh’s municipality, following a press conference with the drivers at 7:30 PM at the same venue. The event, organized in collaboration with the municipality, will welcome official personalities, FIA representatives, sports officials, and rally fans eager to witness the grand launch.

 

 

Roger Feghali, the Man to Beat

 

It’s hard to talk about the Rally of Lebanon without mentioning his name. Roger Feghali, a true living legend and 17-time winner of the event, remains the undisputed king of Lebanese roads.

“Each edition is a new challenge. You never win this rally the same way twice,” he confides, determined once again to push the limits.

 

Facing him, a hungry generation lies in wait: Henri Kahy, Rodrigue Rahi, Bassel Bou Hamdan, and other outsiders dreaming of toppling the king.

 

The duel with Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, two-time winner of the event in 2019 and 2022, also promises fireworks.

 

 

A Saga Born in 1951

 

More than just a race, the Rally of Lebanon is a true sporting epic. It all began in 1951, when José Chidiac launched the “Tour of Lebanon,” a 500-kilometer route linking the country’s most iconic roads, finishing at the famous Aley swimming pool—an emblem of Lebanon’s golden age.

 

That first edition was won by Louis “Loulou” Bassoul in his legendary Renault Frégate. The following year, in 1952, Pierre Heneiné triumphed in the first Syria-Lebanon Rally, also driving a Renault Frégate, before Loulou Bassoul struck again in 1955, winning in the same car at the Beirut Racecourse.

 

 

From Mountain Rally to Regional Icon

 

The modern history of the Rally of Lebanon began in 1968 with the creation of the “Mountain Rally,” the direct ancestor of today’s event, organized by the ATCL. That first edition attracted 57 crews, including 14 international entries, for a grueling 1,100 km route through the country’s winding roads.

 

The winners of that inaugural event were Jean Bassili, Antoine Salim, and Fayez Sahyoun in a Renault 10. In 1970, Gérard Asfar and Amine Hammoud won in a Renault 16, followed by Georges Matta and Georges Moughani in 1973 with a Volkswagen 1303 S. The 1974 edition went to Tony Georgiou and Jean-Loup Eddé in a Renault 12 Gordini.

 

In 1975, the rally gained official recognition from the FIA and entered the international calendar. But the outbreak of the civil war forced a suspension until 1979, when Georges Doumit and Samir Cheikhani won the comeback edition in an Audi 80 LS.

 

 

The 1980s: Resilience and International Recognition

 

The 1980 edition was historic, marking the rebirth of the rally, with Albert Bassoul and Gérard Saunal crowned winners in a Renault 17 Gordini. The 1980s, however, were turbulent: the rally was canceled in 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1990. Yet paradoxically, its prestige grew.

 

In 1984, the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) was officially created, and the Rally of Lebanon was integrated for the first time in 1987. That edition was dominated by Emirati driver Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his co-driver John Spiller, winners in an Opel Manta 400.

 

 

When Lebanon Attracted World Stars

 

From the late 1980s onward, the Rally of Lebanon established itself as a must on the regional calendar, attracting international champions. Among them: Frenchmen Jean Ragnotti and Alain Oreille, Italian Sandro Munari (1977 FIA Cup winner), Frenchman Yves Loubet, Italian Piero Liatti, and Frenchman Pierre César Baroni.

 

Finnish legend Tommi Mäkinen, a four-time world champion, gave a spectacular demonstration in the 1990s, while Norwegian Petter Solberg, a future world champion, finished second in 1998.

 

Stars from the Gulf also left their mark: Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar), double winner in 2019 and 2022; Abdallah Bakhashab (Saudi Arabia); and Saïd El Hajiri (Qatar).

 

 

The Lebanese Era

 

Since the early 2000s, the Rally of Lebanon has spoken with a Lebanese accent more than ever. Roger Feghali has dominated with 17 titles, an absolute record, but he’s not the only one to shine. Jean-Pierre Nasrallah has three wins, Nicolas Amiouni won in 2014, and Tamer Ghandour in 2016.

 

Other emblematic names include Abdo Feghali, Michel Saleh, Maurice “Bagheera” Sehnaoui, Samir Ghanem, Doumit Bou Doumit, Nadim Abboud, Rodrigue Rahi, Élie Kahi, Michel Feghali, and Édouard Elias.

 

One cannot forget Nabil “Billy” Karam, a legendary figure of Lebanese motorsport, multiple champion, and Guinness World Record holder for his exceptional car collection.

 

In the co-driver’s seat, Joseph Matar holds the absolute record with 10 titles, followed by Nabil Najem with 5.

 

 

2025: A Battle of Outsiders

 

While Roger Feghali’s experience remains a major advantage, Lebanon’s younger generation is eager to shake up the hierarchy. Henri Kahy is clear about his ambitions:

 

“This might be the year the cards are reshuffled. We have the pace; now we need consistency.”

 

Meanwhile, all eyes are also on Qatari star Nasser Al-Attiyah, a two-time winner, who could aim for a historic third crown in Kaslik.

 

 

Behind the Scenes: Logistics and Service Zones

 

The rally’s logistical hub will be based in Jounieh, where the esplanade of the Fouad Chehab Presidential Complex will host the service and maintenance area. The closed park will be set up at Jounieh’s Serail parking lot, ensuring quick access for teams and fans alike.

 

 

A Must-See Event

 

Beyond timesheets and podiums, the Rally of Lebanon is pure spectacle: passion, thrills, and communion with a loyal crowd lining the country’s rugged roads. The ATCL, historic organizer, remains the guardian of this century-old tradition and Lebanon’s motorsport ambassador to the world.

 

This weekend, Lebanese roads will once again become the stage for mechanical battles and explosions of adrenaline. For this 47th edition, one certainty remains: history continues to be written—through burning tires and stolen seconds.