Round 4 of Jordan Rally Championship to see tough competition

AMMAN — The fourth round of the Jordan Rally Championship kicks off on Friday with the participation of nine drivers.

The event is headed by Khaled Juma who is heading the standings with 75 points and is getting ready to participate in the Jordan Rally October 15-17.

Juma, who proved to be a touch contender, will face tough competition from a host of drivers, who are willing to do anything for a place at the podium.

Drivers have to cover a total distance of 310.76km with six special stages (73.6km) on gravel tracks around the Dead Sea area.

Drivers will pass through Turky 1 & 2 (9.43km), Shouneh 1 &2 (15.309km) and Baptism site (11.80km).

In the third round, Juma topped the standings after clocking 1h 02m 06s, followed by Ehab Shurafa (1h07m56s and Basheer Azar (1h12m10s).

Co-driver Barkev Shadian, who is teaming with woman driver Lina Hadidi in a Subaru Impreza, told The Jordan Times that it will not be an easy job.

“We have been training for some time now but we know it will not be easy at all as the level of competition is high and the tracks are really difficult. That puts a lot of pressure on the car and the driver,” he said.

Hadidi clocked 1h14m04s and settled in the fourth place in the third round.

“We will try to have an effective strategy in order to get an advanced position in the event and hopefully we will not face any mechanical issues with the car,” he added.

Jordan Motorsports CEO Othman Naseef said that the event will be a great rehearsal before the Jordan Rally takes place.

“Everyone will be eyeing for more experience to assist them in the upcoming big event. We have one month before the Jordan Rally, the event will have challenging tracks through the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea areas and we are really excited,” he said.

“We hope that everyone will enjoy their time and have a safe rally,” he added.