Muscat: Three Omani drivers will take part in the first round of Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) of Qatar . The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is ready to host the event in Al Khor area of the country.  

The event will start on Friday, January 29 with a super special stage of three kilometres in Qattara area, where spectators will get a chance to view the rally champions.

The race will be hosted in Al Khor area where 10 stages will test the experience and skills of rally drivers over two days. Tough contest is expected among the champions like Nasser Al Attya, Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari and Kris Meeke. 

Abdullah Al Rawahi along with navigator Atta Al Hamood from Jordan is aiming to retain his last year title when came second in the championship.

He said: "It is not easy for him to bag podium this year in Qatar because there are a lot of good drivers and competition is tough. Stages are very tricky and we should be very careful for that, but we hope for positive result."

Another Omani driver Zakria Al Oufi on Evo 9 with co-driver Ammar Al Balushi is looking to stamp his authority as he will be competing again with some experienced names for the podium this year. He added that it's always difficult in Qatar to win as the terrain and stages are tough and there are chances of few punctures during the Al Khor stages.

Meanwhile, Zakaria Al Amri with his navigator Mohamed Al Mazroui on Subaru Impreza N 14, who came third in Qatar international rally last year ( local rally group) is positively working to maintain his position like the last year on his new car which he will be driving for the first time. Al Amri said: "The car we bought has been tested and we need to do some checks before taking part in the rally, but let's hope for better results and prepare for our country's rally next month".