LUSAIL, QATAR – The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has finalised a demanding three-day route for the Qatar International Baja, running November 6–8.
The event is round seven of the FIA World Baja Cup, round three of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup and the sixth and penultimate round of the FIM Bajas World Cup. For the first time, the start and finish ceremonies will take place at the iconic ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark on the Doha Corniche.
Known as one of the toughest Bajas on the international calendar, the event combines tricky navigation and varied desert terrain, mixing gravel, rocky and sandy surfaces that demand full concentration from drivers, navigators and riders from the start.
Chaired by QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, with Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad and board member Abdulrazaq Al-Kuwari, the event follows a traditional Baja format: a short Prologue sets the start order for the first of two stages in a 773.83km total route through the Qatar desert.
Schedule
Administration and scrutineering take place at Lusail International Circuit on Tuesday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 5, with the pre-event press conference there at 18:00 on November 5.
The 10.66km Prologue, 31.51km from the circuit, starts at 12:30 on Thursday, November 6 (first car 13:45). Competitors then move to Doha for the ceremonial start at the ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark from 18:20 (bikes) and 19:00 (cars).
Designed by Clerk of the Course Pedro Almeida, deputy Rashid Al-Sulaiti and their team, Friday’s opening stage (November 7) is split by two neutralisations into timed sections of 67.38km, 32.32km and 118.55km. The first bike starts at 07:45 (first car 09:40), with all competitors on the same stage.
Saturday’s second stage (November 8) has five timed sections of 35.14km, 12.05km, 33.35km, 39.95km and 108.31km, separated by four neutralisations. The first bike starts at 07:15 (first car 09:10). The stage finishes in the spectacular Sealine dunes of southern Qatar – the first time since the Baja replaced the Qatar Cross-Country Rally in 2022.
Competitors then return to the Doha Corniche for the post-event press conference at 19:30 and the podium ceremony and prize-giving from 20:00.
Defending winners
The Baja is now firmly established on the FIA and FIM calendars. X-Raid Mini JCW Rally 3.01 crew Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov defend the FIA Ultimate title.
Last year, Anja Van Loon and Floor Maten won the Challenger section in a Can-Am Maverick X3, João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro topped SSV in a Can-Am XRS Turbo RR, and Abdullah Al-Rabban and Hassan Ali Obaid took Stock honours in a Nissan Patrol. On two wheels, the UAE’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi (KTM) scored his second win in four years, and Saudi Arabia’s Hani Al-Noumesi (Yamaha) won the quad class.
Entry incentives
Reduced-rate entries close on October 8, with a final deadline of October 22. FIA entrants from the GCC receive a $3,000 shipping allowance and international entrants $6,000; flight allowances are $800 per GCC crew and $1,600 for overseas competitors. FIM entrants receive $1,500 or $3,000 for shipping and $400 or $800 towards flights.
FIA and FIM competitors are also offered five nights’ twin-room accommodation with breakfast, plus start money of QAR 5,000 for entries received before the first deadline (QAR 2,500 for FIM) and QAR 4,000 (QAR 2,000 for FIM) after that until entries close.