Saudi driver Hamza Bakhshab clinches third place at Jordan Rally

AMMAN: Rising Saudi driving star Hamza Bakhashab delivered another impressive performance in the third round of the Middle East Rally Championship stage by securing third place at the Jordan Rally, which concluded on Saturday.

Driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside his Irish co-driver Lorcan Moore, Bakhshab produced a composed and consistent drive after 12 challenging special stages on gravel roads across the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley, and finishing in 2 hours, 27 minutes, 1 second.

The 22-year-old maintained third position from the first opening stage of the third round, despite suffering two punctures in his front tires.

With this result, Bakhshab, supported by official partner Jameel Motorsport, remains in second place in the overall standings of the MERC, in his first full season in the championship.

Bakhshab expressed his satisfaction with adjusting his speed at each stage according to the difficult road conditions and the hot climate.

“I am very happy with this result despite our punctures we had in the first stage. The competition was tough and the rally was very enjoyable. We saw a lot of ups and downs, and the stages were very difficult,” Bakhshab said.

“Although my main goal is to gain as much experience as possible in my first season, the points we have earned raise my ambition to achieve even better results in the remaining rounds of the championship in Lebanon, Cyprus, and on our home ground in Saudi Arabia.”