Qatar International Baja Set for Thrilling Showdown with 104 Entries

The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has officially announced a remarkable entry list for the upcoming Qatar International Baja, scheduled for November 6-8, 2023. The event will feature a total of 104 participants, including 43 cars, 57 motorcycles, and four quads. This competition marks the penultimate rounds of both the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups, as well as the FIM Bajas World Cup.

Set against the backdrop of Qatar’s vast desert, the Baja will cover a total route of 773.83 kilometers, with 453.21 kilometers timed against the clock. This challenging course promises to test the skills of all competitors as they navigate the rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions.

Leading Competitors and Categories

Among the standout entries is Argentine driver Juan Cruz Yacopini, who currently leads the FIA World Baja Cup standings by 22 points. He heads a competitive field in the Ultimate, Challenger, SSV, and Stock categories, which includes 10 entries each in the Ultimate and Challenger classes, 19 in SSV, and four in the Stock section, dedicated to series-production cross-country vehicles.

Yacopini will face stiff competition from fellow Ultimate class drivers, including Miroslav Zapletal, Dania Akeel of Saudi Arabia, Denis Krotov, and veteran Martin Prokop. The Challenger class sees a thrilling race between Sergei Remennik and local driver Khalifa Al-Jafla, with Remennik currently holding a 35-point advantage.

The presence of local motorsport icon Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, a multiple event winner, adds further excitement. Al-Attiyah will compete in a Taurus vehicle alongside fellow QMMF Team members, including Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah and Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, ensuring strong local representation.

Motorcycle and Quad Contenders

In the motorcycle category, Mohammed Al-Balooshi leads the charge on his KTM 450 RR, aiming to extend his lead in the FIM Bajas World Cup. His main rival, Rafic Eid, will compete on his GasGas 450 Rally, while two-time event winner Konrad Dabrowski also seeks to reclaim his title aboard a KTM.

The female competitors are also making their mark, with Alona Ben Natan leading the Women’s category. She faces tough competition from Joanna Modrzewska and Sarah Khuraibet.

Additionally, the event will showcase strong international representation among motorcycle riders, with participants from various countries, including Portugal, France, Jordan, India, and Great Britain, among others.

In the quad category, last year’s winner Hani Al-Noumesi currently leads the FIM standings and is set to compete against fellow Saudi Abdulaziz Al-Atawi, Emirati Abdulaziz Ahli, and local rider Yaghoob Azadi, all riding Yamahas.

The Qatar International Baja promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and endurance, as competitors from around the globe come together to battle for supremacy across multiple categories. With a diverse range of entries and a challenging course, this event is poised to deliver thrilling moments for motorsport enthusiasts and participants alike.