The Jordan Baja’s promise to return ‘bigger and better’ in 2021 is on track, with the supplementary regulations published and entries open for the event on March 18-20.
After the understandable decision to postpone last year’s event because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jordan Motorsport will host round four of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and round two of the FIM Bajas World Cup (bikes) on the same weekend.
The event is again based at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, home of the first two Jordan Bajas, with the competitive kilometres running through the spectacular southern deserts of Wadi Rum.
We can’t wait to welcome back world-class motor sport to Jordan. Cancelling last year’s event was the right thing to do under the circumstances, and we will be putting the strictest protocols in place, in co-ordination with the relevant Jordanian Governmental departments and the FIA, to ensure that we hold an event that is safe for all involved in March.
Zaid Balqez, Chairman of the Organising Committee
The route
The Baja opens with a spectator-friendly 2.85km stage in the heart of Aqaba on the afternoon of March 18, giving fans a close-up view of the action. The city-centre entertainment continues into the evening with a press conference, where spectators can hear from the international stars, followed by a ceremonial start.
Competition starts in earnest on Friday, March 19, with the tough 210km Wadi Rum stage in the morning and the 130km Al Disi stage in the afternoon. On Saturday, March 20, crews tackle the gruelling 245km Salhiyah stage before returning to Aqaba for the ceremonial podium finish in the afternoon.
History
The first Jordan Baja ran in 2018 as a successful candidate event and joined the full FIA calendar in 2019, when Poland’s Jakub Przygonski and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk won in a MINI All4 Racing. The 2020 edition was due to include an FIM Bajas World Cup round for bikes for the first time.
Before Jordan, the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas visits Russia (February 4-7), Dubai (February 18-20) and Saudi Arabia (March 4-6), while the bikes start their World Cup season in Dubai.