LUSAIL (Qatar): The stage is set for the highly anticipated Qatar International Baja, which will officially roar into action on Thursday evening from the iconic ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark on the Doha Corniche at 18:20 hrs.
The event marks the penultimate round of both the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups, as well as the FIM Bajas World Cup, drawing some of the world’s leading drivers and riders to Qatar’s desert terrains.
Competitors will first tackle a Prologue stage on Thursday afternoon, determining the starting order for Friday’s opening desert selective section. The Baja promises a challenging blend of speed, navigation, and endurance across Qatar’s demanding stony landscapes.
The official pre-event press conference was held at the Lusail International Circuit on Wednesday in the presence of Amro Al-Hamad, Executive Director of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF).
Several top contenders shared their excitement and strategies ahead of the race.
Among them was Juan Cruz Yacopini, the current leader of the FIA World Cup for Bajas. The Argentine, competing in a Toyota Hilux for the second time in Qatar, aims to defend his 22-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship.
“I’m super happy to be back in Qatar,” Yacopini said.
“Navigation will be key, but I have a great navigator, Dani Oliveras. The terrain is very different from Morocco—super stony and fast—so we’ve worked on the perfect setup during the shakedown. A good Prologue will also be crucial for choosing the right starting position.”
Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel is targeting victory in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, where she faces tough competition from local favorite Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah.
“I lost some points in Jordan, so I’ll be pushing to make up the gap,” she said. “Qatar is a technical race with a lot of variety. Khalifa knows the terrain well, so it will be a great challenge. Last year, I got my first-ever stage win here—it’s a special event for me.”
Qatari driver Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, representing QMMF Team in a Taurus T3 Max, will also be one to watch.
The former Middle East rally champion won the final stage of the 2024 edition and enters this year’s Baja sitting fourth overall in the regional championship and second in the Challenger class.
With fierce rivalries, diverse terrain, and top-tier talent, the 2025 Qatar International Baja promises a weekend of high-octane motorsport drama in the desert.
