The inaugural WRC event in Jordan last weekend has been deemed a success by those in the sport with
BP Ford Abu Dhabi team director Malcolm Wilson amongst those to give it a very positive review.
Jordan's debut in the World Rally Championship marked the first ever event in the Middle East - and the first ever Arab rally to appear in the series since 1976, when Morocco hosted a round of the series.
Based on the shores of the Dead Sea, the event took place at the earth's lowest land point, at more than 400 metres below sea level and in total competitors tackled 22 speed tests covering around 360 competitive kilometres, the bulk of which were on purpose-built roads amid stunning Jordanian scenery.
With the final day unusually the longest and the events victor in doubt right to the end it was a thrilling setting for the fifth round in this year's championship.
"My compliments to the rally organisers," said BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally team director, Malcolm Wilson. "On their first time in the WRC, they created a classic event."
Wilson's number one driver,
Mikko Hirvonen, who won the event, and
Chris Atkinson, who also finished on the podium in third, also seemed pretty impressed even if it was a very difficult event with high temperatures, making it especially gruelling.
"Some sections of stages are the same nature of Cyprus - slow and twisty. Then it opens up like Finland, fast and flowing, but there are no trees and ditches. The surface is different so the rally is really unique," said Mikko.
"It's been interesting to come to a new country and the Middle East for the first time," added Atkinson. "I came a few days early and did the tourist things. The rally was really challenging. There were a lot of moments, spectators and plenty of action for television."
Atkinson's co-driver Stephane Prevot also felt it was a very positive addition to the WRC calendar: "Very good. It was not an easy rally. The stages were quite difficult. The organisation was fine, the marshals worked well. It was a very good event," he continued.
