On March 13, 2025, the Faculty of Engineering (FOE) at the University of Balamand had the privilege of welcoming the Lebanese rally champion and drifting expert Mr. Abdo Feghali, along with his wife and their son, Christopher Feghali—the first-ever Formula 4 Arab driver. Their visit was dedicated to supporting and mentoring the Balamand Racing Team (BRT) as they prepare for the prestigious Formula Student Competition in the UK in July 2025. Notably, BRT is the first team from Lebanon to qualify for the 2025 Silverstone Formula Student Competition, marking a significant milestone for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand specifically and Lebanon in general.

The visit began with a warm welcome on campus by the BRT team advisor, Dr. Chawki Lahoud, along with team leaders Hanna Lakkis and Ameer Abi Ezzedine, both Mechanical Engineering students at the Faculty of Engineering.

The Feghali family were then warmly received by the Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud in his office. Mr. Feghali expressed his admiration for the achievements of the BRT in such a short time and pledged his full support for the project. During the discussion, Professor Abboud highlighted that the BRT is composed of students from various engineering disciplines, electrical, computer and mechanical engineering, a unique aspect that particularly caught Mr. Feghali’s attention. He commended the team for their interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing how this diversity enhances their problem-solving capabilities and strengthens their approach to innovation in motorsports. As a token of appreciation, Professor Abboud presented Mr. Feghali with a personalized plaque acknowledging his contributions and support for BRT.

Following the meeting, Mr. Feghali engaged in an interactive session with the entire BRT team passionate about racing and automotive engineering, sharing insights from his career and offering valuable insights from his career stating: “Everything is achievable when you believe in yourself. Maintain your passion, dedication and hard work in everything you do in life”.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratories, where the team showcased their Formula Student car project, including the stainless steel chassis, the engine, and the progress of the car. This father-son duo explored the team’s progress, exchanged technical discussions, and expressed their enthusiasm for the students’ dedication and innovation.

Professor Abboud extended his heartfelt appreciation for this inspiring visit that reinforced the importance of passion, teamwork, and perseverance in motorsports and engineering. With the support and mentorship of Mr. Feghali, the Balamand Racing Team is on the right track motivated than ever to excel on the international stage.



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