QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai and QMMF Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad pose for a photo with drivers and riders.
Doha, Qatar: A strong international field is set for a demanding desert challenge as the Qatar International Baja gets underway today, with valuable World Baja Cup points at stake.
The action will begin with an 11.12km Prologue, with motorcycle and quad riders taking the start at 1:15pm, followed by cars at 2:45pm. The ceremonial start will be held at the Lusail International Circuit service park at 6:00pm.
Following the Prologue, a strong field of 37 cars, 45 motorcycles and eight quads will compete over a demanding two-day route across Qatar’s northern, western and southern deserts.
Excitement was in the air as several leading drivers and riders attended the pre-event press conference at Lusail yesterday, in the presence of QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai and QMMF Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad.
Six-time Dakar champion and current FIA Middle East Baja Cup leader Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah was among the participants, alongside fellow Qatari Mohammed Al-Marri, SSV contender Fernando Alvarez, Dutch Challenger pace-setter Mitchel van den Brink and FIA World Baja Cup title contenders Francisco Barreto and Lionel Baud.
Crew members make final preparations ahead of the Qatar International Baja.
FIM Bajas World Cup leader Alex McInnes was joined by defending champion Mohammed Al-Balooshi, last year’s Qatar event winner Konrad Dąbrowski, leading female rider Joanna Modrzewska, quad contender Ahmed Al-Jaber and Slovenian rider Toni Mulec.
Al-Attiyah is eyeing the overall victory on his first ever appearance at his home event with an Optimus MD Rallye and navigator Max Delfino.
“This will be an amazing race. If you see the number of competitors, it is fantastic. We try to win this race and maintain the focus for the next one in Dubai,” said the Qatari.
“Last year, I came with a Taurus with my team Nasser Racing and now we are here with a rear-wheel drive. The Optimus is a really good car and I will try to win the overall.”
McInnes will defend a two-point lead in the FIM Bajas World Cup motorcycle category, while defending champion Mohammed Al-Balooshi, currently third in the standings, will look to make up ground after recovering from an early-season injury.
Argentina’s Alvarez is targeting the SSV and overall titles in the FIA World Baja Cup alongside French navigator Xavier Panseri. The Can-Am driver said he would push for a strong finish in the remaining two rounds.
Oman’s Hamed Al-Wahaibi, meanwhile, returns after recovering from a leg injury and is hoping to close the gap on Mitchel van den Brink in the FIA Challenger category. “The leg is a lot better, maybe 90%,” he said.
Based in the UAE, David Mabbs is targeting a double in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, aiming to win the Challenger class and the Master Driver award alongside navigator David McBride.
Despite their previous experience in desert Baja events on motorcycles, Mabbs expects a tough challenge in Qatar, particularly with its rocky terrain and risk of punctures.
“Qatar is difficult with the rocks and the punctures. We will be a little bit more conservative here,” the Briton said.
Qatari driver Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, meanwhile, is looking to build mileage in his new Can-Am ahead of Dakar, but is also targeting another home victory after winning the Qatar International Rally in February.
Saudi Arabia’s Majed Al-Thunayyan needs just three points to clinch the FIA World Baja Cup Stock category title. Al-Thunayyan arrives in Qatar after competing in the last three European Bajas, finishing second in Italy and Spain before winning the recent Baja Portalegre 500 to move within reach of the world title.
