Shiraz set to host MERC trial event this month

Sport360 staff 04:02 07/09/2014
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  • Set to host candidate event: Iran.

     Iran will host a FIA Middle East Rally Champi­onship (MERC) candidate event from September 24-26, ahead of its inclusion in the re­gional series from the next season.

    The Motorcycle and Automobile Federation of the Islamic Repub­lic of Iran (MAFIRI) while yes­terday confirming the dates, also announced that the rally would be held in the Shiraz region, with Hani Shaaban (above) named as manager of the trial event.

    The ceremonial start to the rally will be Wednesday, September 24, in front of the historical Quran Gate in Shiraz and following an overnight service in the parc ferme the competitive stages will run over two days from September 25-26.

    Competitors will tackle a total of 235km over the two days.

    MAFIRI also announced to­tal prize-money worth $10,000 (Dh36,700) for those who finish on the podium.

    Iran is one of three countries selected by the FIA to host candi­date events this year, with the UAE scheduled to host its event from October 16-17 while Oman is yet to announce its dates.

    With the expected confirmation of these countries on the MERC’s 2015 calendar, the regional series will expand to nine rounds from next year.

    Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Dubai already host a round of the regional series.

    With Abu Dhabi’s inclusion from next year, the UAE will have the sole distinction of hosting two rounds of the regional series, with a provisional date for April 9 already included on the calendar.

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