The Qatar International Baja is set to take place this weekend at the Lusail International Circuit, with Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah joining the competition at the last minute. The event will see participants from 33 countries competing in cars, motorcycles, and quads. This will be the fifth round of the FIM Bajas World Cup, as well as important counting rounds for the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups. Al Attiyah, driving a Nasser Racing Team Taurus T3 Max in the Challenger category, will be competing alongside Spanish co-driver Pablo Moreno for the first time.
Al Attiyah has a strong track record in the Qatar desert, having won multiple times in the past. His extensive experience and knowledge of the terrain make him one of the top contenders for victory in this year’s event. He has previously won the Qatar Baja with various co-drivers and teams, showcasing his dominance in the competition. The event has seen Al Attiyah emerge victorious between 2012 and 2020, with multiple wins under his belt driving for different teams.
The Qatar Baja holds a special place for Al Attiyah, who was not originally planning to participate but decided to join last minute due to the event’s significance. He sees this as an opportunity to test himself in a new challenge before focusing on the upcoming Dakar Rally with Dacia. By competing in the Qatar Baja, he aims to prepare himself and his team for future competitions and provide a platform for his clients to excel in cross-country racing. With the support of the Nasser Racing team and his new co-driver Pablo, Al Attiyah is determined to continue his winning streak in the Qatar desert.
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is also fielding a strong team for the event, with five crews registered for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Al Attiyah’s brother Khalifa, as well as other prominent Qatari racers, will be competing in different categories with their respective co-drivers. The diverse lineup of competitors promises an exciting and competitive event, with each team vying for the top honors in their respective categories. The QMMF has made minor adjustments to the route to provide a challenging and thrilling experience for all participants.
The Baja will kick off with a timed Prologue stage for motorcycles, followed by two main stages covering a total competitive distance of 497.51km. The challenging desert terrain and diverse stages will test the skills and endurance of all participants, making for an action-packed and thrilling event. With a strong international presence and top-notch competitors, the Qatar International Baja promises to be a memorable and exciting experience for all involved. As Al Attiyah and his fellow racers gear up for the competition, fans can expect fierce battles and epic performances on the sandy dunes of the Qatar desert.
