LUSAIL: The Qatar International Baja gets underway on Thursday with an 11.12km Prologue, followed by the ceremonial start at Lusail International Circuit, as leading drivers and riders compete in the penultimate rounds of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups and Round 5 of the FIM Bajas World Cup.
Competitors will face a demanding two-day route through Qatar’s northern, western and southern deserts, with crucial championship points at stake.
A dozen leading drivers and riders attended Wednesday’s pre-event press conference at Lusail in the presence of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai and Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad.
Al Attiyah Targets Home Victory
Six-time Dakar Rally champion Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, currently leading the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, is targeting overall victory on his first appearance at his home event. He will compete in an Optimus MD Rallye alongside navigator Max Delfino.
“This will be an amazing race,” Al-Attiyah said. “We try to win this race and maintain the focus for the next one in Dubai.”
McInnes Defends Narrow Championship Lead
The FIM Bajas World Cup will see British rider Alex McInnes defend a narrow two-point championship lead. McInnes acknowledged that navigation would be crucial after costly mistakes affected his performance at last year’s Qatar event.
Defending champion Mohammed Al-Balooshi of the UAE, currently third in the standings, is also targeting a strong result after recovering from an early-season injury.
Alvarez and Al-Wahaibi Chase Key Points
Argentina-based Fernando Alvarez will pursue the SSV and overall titles in the FIA World Baja Cup alongside French navigator Xavier Panseri. The Can-Am driver stressed the importance of finishing strongly in the final two rounds of the championship.
Omani driver Hamed Al-Wahaibi returns after recovering from a leg fracture sustained in August. He will look to reduce the gap to Mitchel van den Brink in the FIA Challengercategory.
Mabbs and Al-Kuwari Eye Success
UAE-based British driver David Mabbs is targeting victories in the FIA Middle 
East Baja Cup Challenger class and the Master Driver award, with navigator David McBride. Mabbs highlighted Qatar’s rocky terrain and puncture risks as major challenges.
Qatari driver Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, backed by the QMMF, is also aiming for home success. After winning the Qatar International Rally in February, he hopes to add another victory before preparing for the Dakar Rally.
Al-Thunayyan Closes in on World Title
Saudi driver Majed Al-Thunayyan is another competitor to watch. He needs just three points to secure the FIA World Baja Cup Stock category title after an impressive European campaign, which included victories and podium finishes across several Baja events.
Prologue Sets the Stage for Friday
Thursday’s Prologue will begin at 1:15pm for motorcycles and quads, with the first car starting at 2:45pm. The results will determine starting positions for Friday’s opening selective section.
The ceremonial start will take place at the service park adjacent to Lusail International Circuit from 6pm.
