LUSAIL: The desert challenge is set, and the stars of the Qatar International Baja are ready to battle across the stony, fast terrain in one of the most technical rounds of the season. From defending champions to local heroes, leading contenders shared their excitement and strategy ahead of the penultimate round of the FIA and FIM Baja Cups.
FIA World Cup Baja leader Juan Cruz Yacopini, defending a 22-point lead, expressed confidence ahead of his second outing in Qatar behind the wheel of his Toyota Hilux.
“First of all, I’m super happy to be here in Qatar. It’s my second time,” said Yacopini. “The strategy is to make a good race. Navigation is going to be difficult — that’s usually the key point here — but I have a really good navigator (Dani Oliveras), and we’re feeling great inside the car.”
“We had a shakedown today to get the setup right. The terrain here is very different from Morocco — super stony and fast — so we need to make sure the car is perfect for this race.”
Saudi driver Dania Akeel is eyeing redemption after losing ground in Jordan, as she goes head-to-head once again with local rival Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.
“Me and Khalifa,” Akeel said with a laugh. “It was unfortunate in Jordan — I lost some points that I really wanted. This race, I’ll try to make up the gap. That’s the target.”
“Qatar is a great race — very technical, with lots of variety. Khalifa’s a local driver, so it’s going to be a nice challenge. I have a faster car, but the dunes and rough parts favor lighter cars too. Last year, this was where I got my first stage win in the Ultimate class — I hope it comes full circle.”
For home favorite *Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, representing the *QMMF Team in a Taurus T3 Max, this weekend offers both pride and opportunity.
“It’s my home rally,” Al-Kuwari said. “I did the last two Bajas here — good memories from last year. I think we’ll go for the win, to be honest. There’s a quality entry list this time with many top drivers.”
“We lost points in Ha’il but bounced back in Jordan with a win in Challenger. Still two rallies to go, so there’s time to fight for the title.”
Two-wheel legend *Mohammed Al-Balooshi, winner of the Qatar Baja in **2021 and 2024, leads the *FIM 450cc riders’ championship by nine points over teammate Rafic Eid and is determined to extend that gap.
“We’re leading the championship with two rounds to go,” said the Emirati. “Qatar is one of the most difficult events because of the navigation and terrain. Our strategy is to stay calm and not rush — just let the race come to us like we did last year.”
With the world’s top drivers and riders converging in Doha, the Qatar International Baja promises high speed, high stakes, and fierce competition across the desert.
