Veteran Rider Maintains Second Place in Overall Standings After Spanish Baja – Eyes World Title and Dakar Ambitions
Lebanese motorsport athlete Rafic Eid is making headlines once again as he continues his formidable run in the 2025 Bajas World Cup, one of the most grueling and prestigious desert rally championships in the world. Following a commanding performance at the Spanish Baja, the fourth round of the championship, Eid remains firmly in second place in the overall standings, keeping his championship hopes alive and demonstrating remarkable consistency in one of the sport’s most demanding arenas.
Consistency and Determination Fuel Eid’s Success
Competing against the world’s top desert rally riders, Eid has shown not only speed and endurance but also tactical precision throughout the season. Riding a Yamaha Fantic 450, Eid tackled the Spanish terrain with grit, securing a 7th place finish overall across all classes and placing 4th in the highly competitive Veterans category.
After four rounds, Eid has collected 53 championship points, trailing only the seasoned UAE rider Mohammed Al Balooshi, who leads with 67 points. The margin is narrow, and with four rounds remaining, Eid remains a formidable challenger for the 2025 title.
Updated Championship Standings After Round 4
The 2025 Bajas World Cup has seen a dynamic battle unfold among elite riders. The current standings are:
- Mohammed Al Balooshi (UAE) – 67 points
- Rafic Eid (Lebanon) – 53 points
- Javier Puerta (Spain) – 33 points
- Jorge Brandão (Portugal) – 33 points
- Paulo Cardozo (Portugal) – 26 points
Eid’s lead over Puerta and Brandão highlights his position as a top contender not only in the Veterans division but in the general classification—an exceptional feat for a rider from a country with limited motorsport infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Four Crucial Rounds to Go
With four rallies remaining, including events in Spain, Hungary, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, Eid is expected to compete in all of them. His season strategy has been methodical and ambitious, aiming not just to retain a top position, but to capture the Veterans category title and potentially fight for the overall championship.
The remaining 2025 Bajas World Cup rounds include:
- Spanish Baja II – July 25–27
- Hungarian Baja – August 15–17
- Qatar International Baja – November 6–8
- UAE International Baja – November 20–23
Each rally presents a unique set of terrain challenges, from rocky deserts to vast sand dunes, demanding both technical skill and physical endurance.
Path to Dakar: Qualification Secured
In a major milestone for his career, Rafic Eid has officially secured his qualification for the 2026 Dakar Rally, the most prestigious and punishing off-road rally in the world. His qualification was secured through his strong result in the 2025 Dakar Rally, where he turned heads with his performance and resilience.
This achievement marks a historic moment for Lebanese motorsport, as Eid becomes one of the few riders from the Middle East outside the Gulf region to earn a Dakar seat based on merit and competitive ranking.
A Message of Inspiration for Lebanese Motorsport
Rafic Eid’s journey has inspired many in Lebanon and the Arab world. He represents a new era of Lebanese athletes who are breaking into the international arena through passion, hard work, and unshakable determination.
Despite limited resources compared to other national teams, Eid has carved out a place for himself through strategic preparation, personal sacrifice, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Conclusion: A Champion in the Making
As the 2025 Bajas World Cup enters its second half, all eyes are on Rafic Eid. With experience, drive, and a proven record behind him, he stands as one of the most promising contenders for both the Veterans title and possibly the overall championship.
More than just a racer, Eid is a symbol of what Lebanese athletes can achieve on the world stage with the right mix of vision, preparation, and heart.
