The second stage of the Qatar Baja took place on Friday, October 1, 2024, where the Saudi Arabian driver Dania Akeel and French navigator Stephane Duple delivered an outstanding performance to lead the car category. The duo won the opening stage and held on to their lead despite ceding time to their rivals in the second stage. This performance resulted in them leading all the crews in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Akeel expressed her excitement after their first stage win, praising her navigator and the challenging nature of the stage.
Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov claimed second place overall in the FIA World Baja Cup category in their new petrol-engined X-Raid Mini JCW Rally 3.0i. The Portuguese pair of João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro are third overall and leading the SSV section. The stages proved to be fast and challenging, with difficult navigation making it a tough competition for the riders. Despite the challenges, the competitors managed to finish the stages successfully, with Akeel, Krotov, and Ferreira securing the top positions.
In the motorcycle and quad category, Abdullah Al Shatti and Hani Al Noumesi emerged on top after the second stage. The riders faced tricky navigation through deceptive desert terrain, leading to some missing vital route waypoints. The FIA entrants tackled two special stages, while the motorcycle and quad riders competed over a single special stage. The competition was intense, with several riders encountering issues such as punctures and mechanical problems throughout the stages.
The opening stage saw Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah starting 10th on the road, with Krotov being the first to set out. However, navigational challenges and technical issues caused delays for several competitors, ultimately affecting their overall standings. Akeel’s impressive performance marked the first time a female driver led the Baja, showcasing the diversity and talent in the racing community. Stage two saw Krotov winning the stage and narrowing Akeel’s lead, setting up an exciting final day of racing.
The riders faced further challenges in stage two, with several competitors, including the Al Attiyah brothers, experiencing setbacks that led to their withdrawal from the competition. Despite the difficulties, riders like Abdulaziz Al Kuwari overcame issues to finish the stage. The competition was fierce, with riders pushing themselves to the limit to secure top positions. The Baja showcased the resilience and determination of the competitors as they navigated tough terrains and unpredictable conditions.
As the competition progresses, riders like Abdullah Al Shatti and Hani Al Noumesi maintained their lead in their respective categories, while others faced setbacks and challenges along the way. The final day of racing promises to be an exciting conclusion to the Qatar Baja, with riders gearing up for the last stage through the southern deserts of Qatar. The competition has highlighted the skill and perseverance of the riders, showcasing the thrill and excitement of off-road racing in the Middle East.
