The 48th International Lebanon Rally kicks off with Arab and international participation in the Middle East Championship
Beirut, Sept 11 (KUNA) -- The 48th edition of the International Rally Lebanon kicked off today, Friday, under the patronage of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Organized by the Lebanese Automobile and Tourism Club over three days, the event forms the fourth round of the 2026 Middle East Rally Championship.
In a statement, the Lebanese Automobile and Tourism Club said the rally’s total distance is 678.29 kilometers, including 197.91 kilometers divided into 11 special stages for speed, spread across several Lebanese regions.
The statement added that today’s program includes free practice, a qualifying and test special stage of four kilometers in the Arzoun area, leading to Qornayel, followed by the first exhibition special stage of 2.54 kilometers inside the club’s premises.
It clarified that the second stage competition begins tomorrow, Saturday morning, from the Jounieh District Court parking lot, heading toward the maintenance area at the President Fouad Shehab Sports Complex. Competitors will then proceed toward the Batroun area, reaching Tahoum and ascending to Toula to compete in a special stage of 32.92 kilometers.
The statement noted that the third special stage (Deir Bilaa - Jbeila) covers 17.20 kilometers, after which cars will continue toward the Fouad Shehab Sports Complex to start the third part of the fourth special stage (Toula - Yarita), covering 32.92 kilometers.
The Lebanese Automobile and Tourism Club pointed out that the fifth special stage (Deir Bilaa - Jbeila) will take place on Saturday afternoon, covering 17.20 kilometers. It added that the second part of the competition will begin on Sunday, heading toward the Ibrahim River to compete in the sixth special stage (Ibrahim River - Adonis - Meshane), covering 14.62 kilometers.
It specified that the seventh special stage (Zindouqa - Baabda) will be held on Sunday morning, covering 16.85 kilometers. Concurrently, the eighth special stage (Zbouga - Marj Bssarita) will take place, covering 15.74 kilometers, followed by the ninth special stage (Ibrahim River - Adonis - Meshane), covering 14.62 kilometers.
The statement indicated that the eleventh special stage (Zbouga - Marj Bssarita) covers 15.74 kilometers, after which cars will head to the Lebanese Automobile and Tourism Club headquarters in Keserwan on Sunday evening for the award ceremony, followed by a press conference for the winners.
The International Rally Lebanon is one of the most prestigious car races in the Middle East. Its first edition was held in 1968, establishing it as a key stop in regional rally championships over successive decades and attracting top local, Arab, and international drivers.
The 47th edition of the rally, held in September 2025, saw fierce competition among Middle East champions on the famous asphalt roads that characterize the event. It concluded with Lebanese driver Roger Feghali winning the title for the 17th time in his career, reinforcing his record as the driver with the most victories in the race. (End) F.Z / M.M.J
