Recce gets underway in Jordan

Despite ongoing delays in transporting essential kit to the Jordan Rally, reconnaissance for the event started on Tuesday morning thanks to the loan of equipment from the local motorsport authority and the Middle East Rally Championship.

“Thanks to the co-operative and open-minded approach of all the stakeholders we have been able to make progress in spite of the logistical challenges,” said North One Sport event manager Simon Larkin.

While the drivers were able to begin exploring the stages using borrowed vehicles and tracking facilities, the arrival of the rest of the WRC’s equipment has been further delayed. The boat carrying the WRC teams and service park infrastructure from Trieste to Italy to Haifa in Israel suffered technical problems en route and bad weather has prevented it from docking on arrival.

Unloading is now expected to begin early on Wednesday morning.

Logistics for Rally Jordan had been planned to be routed through Syria, but security fears following the recent civil unrest there forced a change of plan.

“This has been a 100 per cent collaborative decision, starting with consultation with the FIA, the teams and rally organisers during the last event,” said Larkin. “We chose this route because it was the only realistic option from a cost and timing perspective. Any other option would have ruled out all but the two manufacturer teams from participating.

“We wanted this to be a collective solution so that nobody got left behind. As a sport we have to recognise the needs of all the competitors, not just the ones at the front.”

The timetable of the event will change subject to the arrival of the trucks from Haifa, and the rally organisers will meet with the teams at 11:00hrs on Wednesday to determine a new schedule. The Israeli and Jordanian authorities have been co-operating to ensure a smooth transit for the convoy.

“It’s been a process of collaboration and everyone is committed to making the Jordan Rally a success,” said Larkin.