Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, a prominent Qatari driver, along with his Spanish co-driver Pablo Moreno, showcased their skills in the lightweight Taurus T3 Max by topping the times in the car category during the Prologue of the Qatar International Baja. The Prologue, a 10.01km stage, determined the start order for the opening special stage of the event. The event saw the participation of 36 cars, 59 motorcycles, and five quads, with competitors from 33 countries.
The ceremonial start took place at the iconic amphitheatre in Katara Cultural Village. The flag-off ceremony was conducted by QMMF President Abdulrahman Al Mannai and Executive Director Amro Al Hamad in the presence of VIP guests. The Prologue results counted towards the overall classification in FIM Bajas World Cup events, with David Megre and Abdulaziz Al Ahli being the quickest in their respective motorcycle and quad categories. Al Attiyah’s victory in the car category highlighted the competitiveness of vehicles entered in the Challenger category.
Edouard Pons, the FIA World Baja Cup’s Challenger category leader, demonstrated his skill by finishing fourth behind the Al Attiyah brothers and Abdulaziz Al Kuwari. The event also saw the debut of Czech Miroslav Zapletal driving the X-Raid Mini JCW Rally and João Ferreira, the 2024 FIA European Baja Cup champion, in the SSV category. The challenging desert terrain in Qatar tested the navigation and road book reading skills of the competitors.
In the bikes category, FIM Bajas World Cup leader Mohammed Al Balooshi led the charge, finishing behind Megre, Wallace, Makis Rees-Stavros, and others in the Prologue. The quad category witnessed a fierce competition among riders, with Haitham Al Tuwaijri showcasing his tactical prowess in the challenging terrain. The following stages of the event focused on two challenging courses through the stony and demanding Qatar deserts, emphasizing the importance of accurate navigation skills for success.
The impressive lineup of competitors from various countries and categories added to the excitement of the Qatar International Baja. The event showcased the skill and determination of drivers and riders in tackling the challenging desert terrain. With Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s victory in the Prologue, the competition in the car category intensified, setting the stage for thrilling battles in the upcoming stages. The event provided a platform for both experienced and upcoming talent to showcase their skills and compete on an international level.
The Qatar International Baja not only highlighted the prowess of Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and other top contenders but also served as a test of endurance and skill in navigating the challenging desert terrain. Competitors from various countries demonstrated their determination and competitiveness in the event, making it a truly global affair. With each stage presenting new challenges and opportunities, the event promised exciting moments and fierce battles for the top honors. The Qatar International Baja continues to be a prominent event on the international motorsport calendar, attracting top talent and thrilling audiences with adrenaline-pumping action.
