Amman, Jordan – Jordan Motorsport has confirmed a record-breaking entry list for next weekend’s Jordan Baja, underlining the event’s growing status on the global cross-country rally calendar. Subject to final FIA approval, the rally will serve as the second round of both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, as well as a key fixture in the FIM Bajas World Cup and FIM Asia Bajas Cup.
A total of 35 cars will compete in the FIA categories, alongside 25 riders in the FIM motorcycle and quad divisions. The programme is further boosted by 13 teams contesting the Jordan National Baja and several amateur crews taking part in the third Wadi Al-Qamar Navigational Rally, making it one of the largest editions in the event’s history.
Strong FIA Presence Across All Categories
Of the 35 FIA entries, 14 crews are registered for the FIA World Baja Cup, while 16 of the remaining competitors are chasing points in the four-round FIA Middle East Baja Cup. The field is spread across six Ultimate entries, seven Challenger crews, 15 SSV teams and seven Stock category competitors.
Leading the charge is Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, who arrives in Jordan fresh from victory in the season-opening round in Saudi Arabia. The Qatari star, partnered by Dakar-winning navigator Fabian Lurquin, will compete in a two-wheel-drive MD Sport Optimus Evo 5 Buggy and currently tops the FIA Middle East Baja Cup standings.
Ultimate Category Showdown
Al-Attiyah will face strong opposition in the Ultimate category, including the Toyota crews of reigning regional champion Dania Akeel and South Africa’s rising talent Saood Variawa. Also expected to challenge are Czech veteran Miroslav Zapletal, France’s Lionel Baud, and Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Al-Shamy, ensuring a fiercely contested top class.
Challenger and SSV Fields Packed with Talent
In the Challenger category, Yasir Seaidan heads the field after backing up a runner-up finish at the Dakar Rally with victory in Saudi Arabia last weekend. Driving a Taurus Evo Max, Seaidan is currently second in the overall regional Drivers’ Championship, trailing only Al-Attiyah.
World Baja Cup points contenders in Challenger include Hamed Al-Wahaibi and Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, while David Mabbs, Nouef Al-Sowaidi and Abdullah Al-Fahad focus on the regional title battle. Andrey Novikov joins the entry list outside of the championship classifications.
The SSV category features a competitive 15-strong line-up led by Fernando Alvarez, the early leader in the FIA World Baja Cup. The Argentina-based Can-Am driver will be joined by co-driver Xavier Panseri, with World Cup challengers including Mansour Al-Helai, Erik van Loon, Tomasz Bialkowski, Hedda Hosås and Moaz Hariri.
Apart from Jordanian crew Farah and Bayan Zakaria, the rest of the SSV field will be competing for regional honours. Notable names include Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Marri, Mohammed Al-Atteya and Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Saudi Arabia’s Hamad Al-Harbi and Maha Al-Hameli, Kuwait’s Dhari Al-Dhafeeri, Emirati Nora Al-Jassasi, and San Marino-based Camelia Liparoti.
Stock Category Title Defence
Defending FIA World Baja Cup Stock champion Majed Al-Thunayyan returns to continue his title defence against Abdullah Al-Shegawi, Al-Mashna Al-Shammeri and Abdullah Al-Rabban. Abdulaziz Al-Saud will be contesting the regional Baja Cup within the Stock division.
Elite Motorcycle and Quad Line-Up
The FIM section features 21 motorcycle riders and four quad competitors, with representation from 11 nations. British rider Alex McInnes leads the motorcycle field after dominating the opening round in Ha’il aboard his KTM 450 SXF.
One of the major storylines is the return of Mohammed Al-Balooshi, who will be aiming to claim a remarkable sixth Jordan Baja victory since 2019. He faces stiff competition from his brother Sultan Al-Balooshi, Abdulhalim Al-Mogheera, Abdullah Al-Shatti, local favourite Abdullah Abu Aisheh, Rafic Eid, and Philip Horlemann. Joanna Modrzewska stands as the sole female rider on the motorcycle entry list.
In the quad category, defending FIM champion Hani Al-Noumesi arrives as the rider to beat after winning in Saudi Arabia last weekend. He will be challenged by fellow Saudis Abdulaziz Al-Atawi, Ahmad Al-Jaber, and Haitham Al-Tuwaijri.
National and Amateur Competition Adds Local Flair
The unofficial Jordan National Baja features 11 Palestinian crews and two Jordanian teams, led by Mahmoud Al-Jabbarin and Anwar El-Sana in a Hyundai Buggy, highlighting the event’s importance for regional and grassroots competitors.
Aqaba to Host Rally Headquarters
This year’s Jordan Baja will be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, which will host all pre-event formalities, the official start, and the ceremonial finish. With a record entry list, world-class competitors, and diverse categories, the Jordan Baja is set to deliver one of the most exciting weekends of off-road motorsport in the region.
