Doha: The Qatar International Rally is set to take place on Thursday, serving as the second round of the 2025 Middle East Rally Championship.
This follows Qatari driver Nasser Al Attiyah’s victory in the Oman International Rally season-opening.
The 2025 Qatar International Rally will be particularly special as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with the launch of a brand-new visual identity.
This identity pays homage to the rich legacy of the rally, reflecting both Qatar’s cultural heritage and its deep-rooted passion for motorsports, which has grown tremendously over the past five decades.
The new logo and visual identity draw inspiration from Qatari culture, with the Arabian oryx symbolizing the country’s heritage and the endurance required by rally drivers navigating the challenging desert terrain.
The fluid lines forming the oryx represent the twists and jumps that make rally racing exhilarating, while the yellow triangles take inspiration from the golden desert sands that characterize Qatar’s landscape.
Additionally, traditional Bedouin tent embroidery is incorporated into the design, while the vertical alignment of the triangular shapes and curved angles are inspired by the rock formations of Zekreet, a key rally location.
The logo has been designed with versatility, ensuring it can be adapted to highlight rally tracks and cultural landmarks, creating a cohesive visual language that resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
The first edition of the Qatar International Rally took place in 1975, with British driver Peter Austen claiming victory alongside his Qatari co-driver Humaid Abdulrahim. Meanwhile, Qatari duo Arhama Al Kuwari and Gaith Al Kuwari were the only local team to successfully cross the finish line, securing seventh place.
Although modest in scale compared to today’s event, the inaugural rally was a significant milestone, marking one of the first major motorsport competitions in Qatar and the Gulf region.
It laid the foundation for the rally to become one of the most prestigious regional motorsport events.
Over the years, the Qatar International Rally has evolved significantly.
Initially part of the Middle East Rally Challenge and later the Gulf Rally Championship, the event saw a transformative shift in 1984 with the launch of the FIA-recognized Middle East Rally Championship. Notably, Qatar hosted the opening round of this historic championship, which was the first FIA-sanctioned series in the region.
Throughout its 50-year history, the Qatar International Rally has continually improved, contributing to the growth of motorsports culture in the country.
This development has produced world-class Qatari drivers who have excelled in both regional and international competitions.
Saeed Al Hajri claimed victory at the Qatar International Rally in 1983.
The following year, with the inception of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, he secured back-to-back wins, driving a Porsche 911 SC RS prepared by Prodrive Racing.
Founded and managed by David Richards, Prodrive played a pivotal role in shaping the Qatar International Rally alongside Rothmans.
The 1984 triumph was Prodrive’s first international victory, setting the stage for the team’s future success across various motorsport disciplines.
Al Hajri’s achievement also marked the start of a dominant career in the Middle East Rally Championship, a title he would successfully defend the following year.
In 1986, the championship welcomed its first-ever World Rally Champion, with the late Björn Waldegård competing in Qatar with Toyota’s European factory team.
He clinched victory in his Toyota Celica Twin Cam Turbo. A year later, Qatar International Rally had the honour of hosting His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, who made his first and only rally appearance outside of Jordan.
The Qatar International Rally has been a gateway for many Qatari drivers to reach global motorsport recognition.
From Saeed Al Hajri to Nasser Al Attiyah and current Middle East Rally Champion Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, numerous Qatari talents have left their mark not only in Qatar but also on the international stage.
Looking at the rally’s past winners, it is evident that the event has attracted some of the biggest names in motorsport. Nasser Al Attiyah holds the record with 13 victories, while FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has won the rally nine times.
Saeed Al Hajri has claimed six wins, including five during the Middle East Rally Championship era.
The Qatar International Rally will officially commence on Thursday with an opening ceremony at Lusail Boulevard - Al Sa’ad Plaza, at 6:00 PM.
The event will be open to the public, offering fans an opportunity to enjoy an exciting lineup of performances and festivities to kick off the rally season in Qatar.
Afterwards, the Super Special stage will take place at Lusail Karting Track at 7:00 PM.
The rally action will continue until February 8, concluding with the awards ceremony at Lusail Boulevard - Al Sa’ad Plaza at 7:00 PM.
