The 2025 Qatar Off-Road Championship (QORC) concluded this week in Doha, marking the end of a competitive season of motorcycle and automobile racing across challenging desert terrain. Organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, the championship saw riders and drivers from across the Gulf region and beyond battle for supremacy in various classes. British rider Alex McInnes ultimately secured the overall Moto title, highlighting the international appeal of the Qatar Off-Road Championship.
The final standings reflect intense competition throughout the year, with multiple nationalities represented on the podiums. The event showcased Qatar’s growing prominence as a host for international motorsports, attracting both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. According to the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, the championship aimed to promote safe off-road racing and develop local talent.
2025 Qatar Off-Road Championship: Key Results
Moto Class Standings
Alex McInnes’s victory in the overall Moto category was a highlight of the season. He finished ahead of UAE’s Mohammad Al Balooshi and Portugal’s Michael Anderson, demonstrating consistent performance across multiple events. In the Moto Class 2 competition, Abdulaziz Ahli of the UAE claimed the championship, followed by Qatar’s Nasser Al Abdulla and Mansoor Swaidan Al Suwaidi, also from the UAE.
Additionally, Mohammad Al Balooshi proved dominant in the Moto Survival Trophy, edging out McInnes and fellow UAE rider Abdulla Lanjawi. McInnes also secured victory in the Moto Baja Trophy, finishing ahead of Britain’s Philip Horlemann and Australia’s Thomas Cross. These specialized trophies add another layer of complexity and skill to the off-road racing competition.
Four-Wheel Competition
The automobile categories of the Qatar Off-Road Championship also saw fierce battles. Italian competitor Camelia Liparoti emerged victorious in Class 1 Cars, while Nouef Al Sowaidi won Class 2, and Saudi Arabia’s Motab Al Shammari took the title in Class 3. The co-driver championships were awarded to Abdulaziz Al Jabri (Qatar, Class 1), Aisvydas Paliukenas (Lithuania, Class 2), Bader Al Hamdan (Saudi Arabia, Class 3), and Pierre Delorme (France, Class 4).
In the Auto Baja Trophy, Qatari drivers Ahmed Al Kuwari (Class 1), Al Sowaidi (Class 2), and Omar Abdulleh Allahim (Saudi Arabia, Class 3) achieved success. Meanwhile, the Car Rally Trophy saw Ibrahim Al Abdulghani, Al Sowaidi, Hassan Al Baloushi (UAE), and Rashid Juma Al Mohannadi (Qatar) claim the class titles. This diverse range of winners underscores the broad appeal of desert racing within the region.
Implications and Future Outlook
The successful completion of the 2025 QORC reinforces Qatar’s position as a key destination for motorsports in the Middle East. The event provides a valuable platform for both local and international competitors to showcase their skills. The championship also contributes to the development of motorsport infrastructure and expertise within Qatar.
However, challenges remain in ensuring the sustainability of such events, including environmental considerations and logistical complexities. The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation is expected to review the season’s results and gather feedback from participants to inform planning for the 2026 championship. Details regarding the schedule and regulations for the next season are anticipated to be released in the coming months, with potential adjustments based on competitor input and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The continued growth of motorsport in Qatar will likely depend on attracting further international participation and investment.
Looking ahead, the federation will likely focus on promoting greater participation from Qatari nationals in all classes of the competition. The long-term goal is to cultivate a strong pipeline of local talent capable of competing at the highest levels of off-road racing.
