DOHA: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has unveiled initial details of the 2026 Qatar International Baja, with an extended route and a new private test day planned for the penultimate round of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups.
The Lusail-based event will run from Oct. 28-31 and also serve as the sixth round of the FIM Bajas World Cup, QMMF said after publishing Rally Guide 1.
The 2026 Baja will feature 538.44 km of competitive stages over a total route of 940.28 km, an 18.4% increase in competitive distance from last year’s edition.
Competitors will have access to a private test on Oct. 28, allowing teams to make final vehicle adjustments while limiting the use of other desert tracks.
A 9.51-km prologue on Oct. 29 will determine starting positions for the main competition.
Friday’s opening selective section will cover 336.34 km through northern and central Qatar, making it the longest stage on the FIA World Baja Cup calendar and comparable in difficulty and variety to stages in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Saturday’s second section has been shortened by 13.7% to 202.10 km to allow for an earlier finish. The route will take competitors through southern Qatar, including the demanding dunes around Sealine.
The event will be held under the leadership of QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad and General Secretary Abdulrazaq Al Kuwari, with Clerk of the Course Pedro Almeida overseeing preparations.
Administrative checks, scrutineering, the ceremonial start and finish, and servicing will all be based at Lusail International Circuit to improve efficiency and reduce the event’s environmental impact.
Entries will open on Sept. 2, when the Supplementary Regulations are also due to be published. The first entry deadline is Sept. 30, with final entries closing on Oct. 14.
