FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace to discuss shared priorities for the development of motorsport and Lebanon’s role in the Middle East rallying landscape.
The meeting followed Ben Sulayem’s attendance at the 48th Rally of Lebanon, the fourth round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), which concluded on September 13 with Lebanese driver Roger Feghali and co-driver Joseph Matar taking victory.
Rally of Lebanon seen as key to regional championship
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the continued success of the Rally of Lebanon and the country’s long-standing position as a rallying stronghold in the region.
Ben Sulayem said the event has an important place in the history of Middle Eastern motorsport and will play a role in plans to secure the long-term future of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
The 2026 championship consists of six rounds across Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia, with the best five results counting towards the championship.
Ben Sulayem returns to event he won four times
Ben Sulayem attended the Rally of Lebanon at the invitation of the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) and its president, Nabil ‘Billy’ Karam.
The FIA president has a strong personal history with the event, having won the Rally of Lebanon four times, in 1987, 1991, 1998 and 1999. Each of those victories contributed to one of his 14 FIA Middle East Rally Championship titles.
The rally remains the only all-tarmac round of the 2026 MERC and featured 10 asphalt speed tests in addition to a super special stage.
Roger Feghali takes 2026 Rally of Lebanon
Lebanese driver Roger Feghali and co-driver Joseph Matar won this year’s Rally of Lebanon, securing the home victory at the event’s finish at the ATCL in Kaslik, Jounieh.
Feghali is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the regional championship and has won his home rally 18 times, including 16 victories in the MERC.
The result further underlined Lebanon’s importance to the regional rallying scene.
Ben Sulayem highlights shared motorsport priorities
Speaking after his meeting with President Aoun, Ben Sulayem said the discussions focused on shared priorities for the future of motorsport.
“I was pleased to meet with President Aoun and discuss our shared priorities for the future of motor sport,” Ben Sulayem said.
He also praised the enthusiasm surrounding the Rally of Lebanon and its significance for competitors, fans and the country.
FIA chief recalls Lebanese recognition
Ben Sulayem’s relationship with Lebanon extends beyond his achievements on the rally stages.
His rallying career earned recognition from two former Lebanese presidents. He received the President’s Cup from President Amine Gemayel in 1987 and the Medal of Honour from President Emile Lahoud in 1999.
He retired from competitive rallying in 2002 after a career that also included an overseas victory in Turkey and World Rally Championship Group N wins in Spain and Argentina.
Lebanon remains part of FIA’s regional rallying strategy
The meeting comes as the FIA continues to develop the Middle East Rally Championship, which has been a regional competition since its inauguration in 1984.
With Lebanon established as a specialist asphalt rally destination and a regular stop on the regional calendar, the event is expected to remain an important component of the championship’s future.
Ben Sulayem thanked the ATCL, its president and the wider Lebanese motorsport community for their hospitality and continued support for the rally.
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