Turkey to join MERC starting in 2017

AMMAN — Turkey will soon join the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) next year after the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation submitted their request to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motor sport. 

Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Attiya, FIA vice president, told The Jordan Times by phone that this is a very positive request.

“We are happy that Turkey is requesting to be part of the MERC from 2017 and I would like thank the management of the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their positive initiative and we are looking forward to having more cooperation in the future,” he said. 

“No doubt that with Turkey joining in 2017, MERC will be stronger than ever. Turkish drivers have the right experience in rallies and they are well-known in auto sports. I will make sure to host more auto sports events under the FIA with a special focus on the MENA region,” he added. 

The MERC consists of the following countries: Dubai, Cyprus, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar.

The FIA vice president emphasised that special focus should be directed towards youths.

“We have to encourage youths in MENA to take part in such sports to enjoy the success achieved in a short time. Such success is considered clear evidence of the reach of motor sports in the region which we honour and appreciate so much,” he said.

“During my last visit to Jordan for the Jordan Rally this year, I met with HRH Prince Feisal and we discussed the challenges and auto sports in the region,” he added.

Jordan Rally the third round of MERC was held May 5-7 at the Dead Sea area and witnessed Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah register his 10th victory in Jordan and a 63rd in his MERC career.

“We highly value the role played by HRH Prince Feisal and his vision regarding auto sports in Jordan and I know that HRH the Prince is providing everything to take this sport to another higher level as sustainability is really important in any sports and auto sports just like any other sport is suffering from lack of support but solid moral support from the prince is there and will always be there,” Attiya said. 

“There is no doubt that Jordan’s efforts in auto sports have delevloped several champions during the years, and many strongly believe, and I am one of them, that Jordan has a unique place in the history of rallying, drivers and its people and generosity are truly amazing. We hope the best for Jordan in everything,” he concluded.