Royal reception starts final countdown to Jordan Rally

His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Chairman of Jordan Motorsport, hosted a VIP reception on Wednesday night to welcome the stars of the WRC to the inaugural Jordan Rally.

The reception was held at the Marriott Hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea and celebrated the return of the WRC to the Arab World for the first time in 32 years.

A host of VIP guests attended the function, including drivers and co-drivers who will contest the rally and representatives from their teams and manufacturers.

Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, was represented by its President Max Mosley - a staunch supporter of Jordan’s bid to become a part of the championship - and Morrie Chandler, President of the World Rally Championship Commission.

Fourteen times FIA Middle East Rally Champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem - who won the Jordan Rally a record 12 times - was also present.

The rally will officially get underway on Thursday night, as cars drive over the start ramp next to the Dead Sea. Prince Feisal, Max Mosley and The Israeli Minister of Sport, Mr Galeb Majadle will participate in the starting ceremony.