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The 2025 Spring Rally, set for this weekend, promises an epic family duel between the undisputed master of Lebanese asphalt and his rising heir. Will experience be able to resist the ardor of youth?
The Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) is back in action this weekend with the 40th edition of the Spring Rally, the opening round of the Lebanese Rally Championship. As always, the roads of Keserwan and Jbeil will set the stage for an electrifying showdown, with all eyes on an explosive family duel: Roger Feghali versus his son Alex.
A Demanding Route for Hungry Drivers
This anniversary edition promises a challenging and spectacular course, spanning 284.19 km, including 101.14 km of timed special stages. The event kicks off on Saturday at 5:00 PM from ATCL headquarters in Kaslik, with an opening stage of 2.52 km—just enough to warm up the drivers and their machines before an enthusiastic crowd. Following this appetizer, the cars will enter parc fermé until the next morning, when the real battle begins.
On Sunday, starting at 7:25 AM, crews will depart from the organizing club toward the service zone at the Fouad Chehab Sports Complex in Jounieh, where mechanics will make their final adjustments before the high-speed stages commence.
Technical and Merciless Stages
Blat - Almat (SS2 and SS4, 17.36 km)
A winding route that will test both the nerves and grip of the drivers. The stage starts in Blat, ascends through Bechli, Zebdine, and Bir el-Hyt, before descending toward Hssoun and Almat. Featuring tight turns, steep climbs, and treacherous descents, this section demands absolute precision. The road will be closed from 7:01 to 9:31 and again from 10:26 to 12:56.
Hboub - Bentaël (SS3, SS5 and SS6, 21.30 km)
The ultimate test. This grueling stage begins in Hboub, ascends through Fidar el-Tahta and Fidar el-Fawqa, crosses Mazraat el-Aïn, Bechtlida, Hjoula, and Jrebta, before plunging down to Bentaël. With three scheduled runs, road closures will be in effect from 7:47 to 10:17, from 11:12 to 13:42, and from 13:46 to 16:16. It is here that gaps will widen, and only the boldest will maintain their pace. All contenders will be eager to make a statement in this opening round, on a course that offers no mercy.
Experience vs. Youth
Roger Feghali, a sixteen-time winner of the event, remains the man to beat. His mastery of Lebanese asphalt and razor-sharp driving instincts make him the clear favorite. However, his son Alex, an emerging force in the sport, has already proven he has championship potential.
A Paternal Helping Hand in 2024?
Last year, Alex’s victory was tainted by a paternal “sacrifice.” Roger, despite being the fastest throughout the rally, incurred a one-minute penalty for a deliberate checkpoint delay, effectively handing his son the win. Was it a gesture of support or the symbolic passing of the torch?
This year, the battle between the Feghalis promises to be fiercer than ever. Will the patriarch step aside, or will he reaffirm his dominance? The answer will come on Sunday at 5:15 PM, when the rally concludes at ATCL, followed by the awards ceremony at 5:30 PM.
A Championship That Begins at Full Throttle
With the Spring Rally, the Lebanese Rally Championship officially launches its 2025 season, which will also feature the Jezzine Rally, the Cedars Rally, and the prestigious Lebanon International Rally, a flagship event on the Middle Eastern motorsport calendar. The Spring Rally will thus serve as a full-scale test for national title contenders.
Engines will roar, rubber will burn, and the clock will decide the victors. Meanwhile, the Feghalis will settle their scores—down to the very last second.
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