FIA MERC Rally Saudi Arabia 2025: When the Dust Felt Like Home

FIA MERC Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 - Marcom Team

Every rally leaves a mark. But some leave tire tracks across your heart. Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 wasn’t just another championship event on the MERC calendar, it was a return, a reset, and for me, deeply personal.

This was Saudi’s long-awaited reentry into the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, fifteen years since the last time we hosted a round. But this wasn’t a nostalgic revival. This was new, electric, and built to push boundaries, from the layout of stages to our brand presence across the Corniche and coastline.

But here’s the part that caught me by surprise: Car #18, piloted by Payyakkal Saneem P and co-driven by the legendary Musa Sherif, both proudly representing Kerala, India in a Ford Fiesta Rally4 (RC4 class). A fully Malayali crew battling it out in the Saudi desert, at a high-profile FIA rally? That stirred something deeper than professional pride. It was personal. It was powerful.

Here’s how the rally unfolded, from a marketing desk covered in stage maps to a heart full of gravel dust and pride.

Thursday: The Show Begins

The ceremonial start at Jeddah's iconic Corniche wasn’t just a launch, it was a statement. The stages were ready for the big day and the energy was unmistakable. We had 22 cars on the grid, a mixed lineup that included Rally2 beasts, Rally4 contenders, NR4 warriors, and a handful of local SSVs.

As the sun dipped below the Red Sea, Saneem and Musa rolled up to the start line with calm resolve. There’s something different about watching a crew that speaks your language - literally and emotionally, getting ready to carve through a championship course. I caught myself smiling more than usual that night.

Friday: Heat, Pace, and a Bit of Heartbreak

Day 1 was where things got real. Three stages to the east of Jeddah - Buraiman, Wadi Al-Matwi, and Um Al-Jerem, each run twice. The terrain was merciless, the grip unpredictable, and the sun absolutely unforgiving.

Nasser Al-Attiyah was, as always, clinical in his execution, setting the benchmark from the very first stage. Juho Hänninen’s Toyota was gathering valuable WRC data, while local hero Rakan Al-Rashed held his own in the top three.

But further down the lineup, stories unfolded that didn’t always make headlines. Saneem and Musa clocked a time of 20:54, not the fastest, but respectable, steady, and reflective of a team pushing through unfamiliar terrain with determination.

Saturday: The Final Climb

The northern stages were new to everyone, and it showed. Al-Ghulal, Asfan, and Thahban threw in tighter lines, shifting terrains, and tactical complexity. It was here that drivers either cracked or created a legacy.

Nasser powered through a puncture to lock in his 89th MERC win. And while Car #18 didn’t complete the full course due to mechanical issues, they had already made their mark. Their participation wasn’t just symbolic. It was competitive, committed, and courageous.

Behind the Scenes: Why This Rally Mattered

From a brand and motorsport lens, Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 was a masterclass in strategic storytelling. We weren’t just covering a rally, we were reintroducing a nation’s rally culture to a global audience. From live social media coverage to key messages to media coverage, every pixel and frame told the story of a rally ready for the world stage.

But beyond all that, it gave me something intangible pride to see a Malayali duo racing under the Saudi sun, forging their path through such unique terrains, it reminded me of why I got into this industry in the first place. Not for the glitz. But for the grit.

Looking Ahead

Rally Saudi Arabia isn’t done yet. With WRC candidate status secured, we’re already eyeing the next chapter in November. But this round of FIA MERC, will remain special.

Because it wasn’t just about who won. It was about who showed up. Who pushed through. Who made space for stories that don’t always fit the podium spotlight.

To Saneem and Musa—thank you for carrying Kerala’s rhythm into the rally world. And to every team, crew, marshal, and fan who showed up and showed heart, you made this rally unforgettable.

Until next time, from Jeddah to the World!