FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut to discuss the future of motor sport and shared priorities between the two sides.
The meeting took place at Baabda Palace following Ben Sulayem’s attendance at the 48th Rally of Lebanon, an event he won four times during his successful rally-driving career.
The meeting also highlighted Lebanon’s long-standing position as one of the Middle East’s key rallying destinations and the importance of the Rally of Lebanon to the future of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Rally of Lebanon Remains a Regional Highlight
Ben Sulayem attended the fourth round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship after accepting an invitation from the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) and its President, Nabil “Billy” Karam.
The rally concluded at the ATCL in Kaslik, Jounieh, on September 13, with Lebanon’s Roger Feghali and co-driver Joseph Matar taking victory.
Speaking about his meeting with President Aoun, Ben Sulayem said the Rally of Lebanon had given him many memorable moments throughout his driving career and that he was pleased to return to the event.
He also described the rally as an important part of the history of Middle East motor sport and highlighted Lebanon’s established reputation for asphalt rallying in the region.
A Personal Connection With Lebanon
Ben Sulayem has a long history with the Rally of Lebanon and Lebanese motor sport.
He won the Rally of Lebanon four times, in 1987, 1991, 1998 and 1999. Each of those victories also contributed to his success in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, which he won 14 times in total.
His final three Rally of Lebanon victories came with his long-time co-driver Ronan Morgan.
His achievements in the sport also earned recognition from Lebanon’s leadership. In 1987, Lebanese President Amine Gemayel presented Ben Sulayem with the President’s Cup, while in 1999, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud awarded him the Medal of Honour.
Beyond the Middle East, Ben Sulayem secured his first overseas rally victory in Turkey in 1991. He later recorded World Rally Championship Group N victories in Spain and Argentina before retiring from competitive rallying in 2002.
Rallying’s Next Chapter
The discussions come at a time of significant developments for international rallying.
In July, the FIA announced a major long-term commercial rights agreement covering the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship. The agreement followed the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
The deal is intended to bring new investment into the sport and supports the FIA’s wider plans for the future of rallying.
For Ben Sulayem, rallying remains closely connected to his personal and professional journey. His return to Lebanon and discussions with President Aoun underline the continued importance of the region’s rallying community as the FIA looks to strengthen the sport for the years ahead.
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