The 2022 Jordan Baja returns to the world stage on February 17th-19th as round two of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, round one of the FIA Middle East Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the opening event of the FIM Bajas World Cup.
With a slightly earlier date that may bring cooler late-winter temperatures across the famous Wadi Rum in southern Jordan, Jordan Motorsport has again prepared a tough route for the Kingdom’s flagship off-road event.
The route
Competitors in all three championships face 471 competitive kilometres over two legs in a 664.13km route, set by FIA Clerk of the Course Khaled Zakaria, his deputy Omar Zarour and their experienced team. Zarour will also be Clerk of the Course for the FIM event.
The Baja is based at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, with the start and finish at the Old Port in Aqaba City on the Red Sea. Scrutineering, administrative checks, the pre-event press conference and ceremonial start are on Thursday, February 17th, with competition on February 18th and 19th.
Regulations have been submitted for FIA approval, with a 319km selective section through Wadi Rum on leg one and a 152km stage on the final day.
The second section, through Wadi Araba, is a completely new challenge with different terrain and a series of medium and high sand dunes. The scenic valley runs from the Gulf of Aqaba to the southern shore of the Dead Sea.
Entries are open until Saturday, February 5th.
The team is now putting the finishing touches to everything and we are looking forward to welcoming world-class motorsport back to Jordan.
Zaid Balqez, Chairman of the Organising Committee
We are blessed with some of the most spectacular terrain on the planet and our competitors will be able to appreciate the beauty of the region that has been showcased frequently by numerous blockbuster Hollywood films, including The Martian, Aladdin, Dune and Star Wars.
Zaid Balqez
Defending champions
Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Seaidan is the defending FIA winner after edging Dutchman Erik van Loon last March. Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi won the motorcycle section comfortably, and Saudi Arabia’s Hani Al-Noumesi was the only finisher in the international quad category in 2021.