Thursday (11 May) marked the start of a long-distance car rally between Amman and Aqaba--and one of the driver taking part in the two-day event was King Hussein.

In all, 25 drivers took part in the 620-mile (1000 kms) race. The cars laft Amman, drove to Aqaba and were scheduled to return to the Jordanian capital on Friday (12 May). Each dally leg involved a run of 310 miles (500 kms), with a time limit of 12 hours. The event was organised by the Jordanian Royal Automobile Club.

The cars left the starting area just west of Amman in two-minute intervals. British, European and Japanese care were all taking part. In addition to Jordanian crews, three British drivers were also participating in the rally.

King Hussein drove away form the start in a Range-Rover--but there was no relaxation of security precautions. His car was followed by Jordanian Army vehicles and a helicopter cruised overhead. Wireless cars and an ambulance also trailed behind the rally cars.

The King was accompanied on Thursday by Princess Muna, his English-born wife. Before the rally began, they'd spoken to a number of the participants.

Prizes will be given to the overall winner, as well as to the winners of groups of the same types of cars. Drivers who arrived early or late it a checkpoint would get penalties.

The winners will be announced at a special dinner on Thursday (18 May) at the Royal Automobile Club in Amman, during which the victors will receive their prizes.

SYNOPSIS: Some of the 215 drivers participating in a long-distance rally got away at the start just west of Amman on Thursday.

It was a two-day event, with crews driving 310 miles to Aqaba, and returning on Friday.

King Pussein was among the drivers.

And he was accompanied by Princess Muna, his English-born wife.

The King spoke to officials and other drivers.

The cars left the starting area at two-minute intervals, and among them were British, Continental and Japanese models.

The overall winner of the rally, organised by Jordan's Royal Authobile Club, will receive a prize, as will the winner of each car group.

King Hussein was driving a Range-Rover. He'd a tough run ahead of him. Drivers who arrived a??? checkpoint early or late would be given a penalty. And each of the two legs had a 12-hour limit.

But he was eager to get away.

Security wasn't relaxed for the event. A helicopter cruised overhead.

And below, following the King, Jordanian Army vehicles kept an eye out for any possible trouble. Wireless vehicles and an ambulance also trailed behind the drivers. The winners will be announced a special dinner on Thursday at that Royal automobile Club in Amman.