• · Moraes, Dabrowski and Ahli Set The Pace on Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 2
• · Reigning Champion Nasser Al Haittiya in Command at the top of the Overall Standings.
• · Local Hero Mohammed Al Balooshi Second fastest Motorbike
• · Late Stage Retirement Costs Seth Quintero Possible Fastest Time

Dubai, UAE, 30^th November 2024: Following the epic landscape and the spectacular success of the Hatta stage on Friday the crews of Dubai International Baja turned their attention to the more familiar, if no less daunting challenges of the dunes in Al Qudra Desert on Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 2.

The crews faced 195km of timed stages with 164km of road section for a total of 359km of driving and riding on another hot day in the desert with temperatures above 30 degrees celsius.

Continuing his winning form from Hatta on Friday, Brazil’s Lucas Moraes set the fastest time on day two for Toyota Gazoo Racing in his Toyota Hilux co driven by Armand Monleon. The duo carries a 6m05s advantage into the final day, though, as the they are in the `experimental category’, they are not eligible for the official win and it is the second fastest team which is controlling the overall lead.

That honour is held by reigning champion Nasser Al Attiyah whose bid for a 13^th victory in Dubai’s famous international rally is still very much on target after a strong day in the familiar dunes of Al Qudra at the wheel of his Nasser Racing Taurus T3 buggy with Pablo Moreno in the co driver’s seat.

Portuguese pairing Joao Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro are in a podium position ahead of the final day, just over eight and a half minutes in arrears in their X-Raid Mini JCW Team Mini.

Rounding out the top five are Ferreira’s X-Raid Mini tram-mate Denis Krotov of Kyrgyzstan and Frenchman Ronan Chabot (Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux) with the leading five cars covered by just 10m13s.

Speaking after the stage Lucas Moraes was delighted with his day in the desert, having revelled in a battle with team mate Seth Quintero and his co-driver Dennis Zenz before the latter crew hit suspension and fuel problems and were forced to retire towards the end of the day when it looked like they might be on course for stage honours.

“It was a really nice race,” said Moraes. “My first year that I did (here) was ’22 and the dunes were much more choppy and up and down. This time round it was much fun and you could carry a lot more momentum.

“Seth (Quintero) and I, we were flying. We were passing each other and having fun. Unfortunately they had some problems towards the end because the win would have been for him”

“We’re looking forward to tomorrow and it was nice to bring a stage win for the team who deliver amazing cars so, yeah, keep going.”

Prologue winner Konrad Dabrowski continued his fine form on his first baja rally of the season as he claimed victory on day two among the motorcyclists. The 23-year-old Polish rider will have his sights set higher than just the Junior Class victory after steering his Duust Rally Team KTM 450 to fastest time.

Local star Mohammed Al Balooshi was just 4m46.7s behind in second on his MX Ride Dubai Yamaha 450YZF but the reigning world champion is primed to challenge for a second successive and third career Dubai International Baja victory.

Dubai-based Briton Alex McInnes is very much in the hunt for overall honours in third place overnight with 8m08.6 to make up on day three while UAE’s Sultan Alblooshi and fellow countryman Hamdan Alali round out the top five.

Leading Quad rider on the Yamaha Raptors on day was the UAE’s Abdulaziz Ahli comfortably ahead of Saudi’s Abdulaziz Al Atawi.

The crews now turn their attention to the challenges of Zayed and Rashid Stage 3.

The third and final stage celebrates the moment on 18^th February 1968 when His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the then Ruler of Abu Dhabi met Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai on the border between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to agree on uniting their respective emirates, the starting point for the vision to unite the seven emirates of UAE.

Zayed and Rashid Stage 3 begins at 7am (Sunday 1^st December) with the first crews expected to complete the selective sections from 10.45am onwards, after which the teams will return to the Service Park in Dubai Festival Mall where they will be on view to spectators throughout the day.

As on Saturday, there are 195km of timed ‘special stage’ action in Al Qudra Desert on Stage 3 with 164km of road section for a total 359km of driving and riding to and from Dubai Festival City on the final day of action after which the champions of Dubai International Baja will be crowned.

At that point they will have put 867km of driving and riding under their wheels across three days of the most challenging and exhilarating international baja rallying.

The final event interviews, podium ceremony and prize giving will get under way from 18:30 at Dubai Festival City, a final opportunity for fans to salute the drivers and riders at the end of another classic edition of Dubai International Baja.

After Saturday’s Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 2, Jacques Brent, Managing Director – Toyota and Lexus, Al-Futtaim Motors was a happy to reflect on another great day’s rallying in Al Qudra.

“It’s always competitive so you never know how it’s going to turn out but we’re sure that we have the right competitors and the right products being Toyotas and hopefully we’ll get away with a win.

“It’s a good a good opportunity for us to showcase our products in a competitive format. You know Toyota has been synonymous with racing for more than 50 years of involvement. Dubai Baja obviously suits the products that we have, things like LandCruiser and Hilux, especially the Hilux which features really well in an event like this. Toyota is hopeful for a Toyota victory.”

Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, the event draws top competitors from around the globe to tackle the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.

-ENDS-

• Moraes, Ahli and Dabrowski Win the Spectacular Stage in Hatta
• Ceremonial Start at Dubai Festival City
• Crews Preparing for Stage One in Al Qudra Desert

Dubai, UAE, 29^th November 2024: After months of preparation, the final event in the international off road rallying season is under way.

Crews have completed the spectacular Qualifying Stage in Hatta Suhaila Area and the Ceremonial Start at Dubai Festival Bay and are now focusing on the 359km of driving in Dubai’s daunting Al Qudra Desert that will make up Saturday’s Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 2 of the event.

Lucas Moraes took victory on the first stage in Hatta by the narrowest of margins over his Toyota Gazoo Racing team mate Seth Quintero. Just 0.2s separated the Brazilian and his Spanish codriver Armand Monelon from the US star Quintero and his German codriver Dennis Zenz in their Toyota Hilux machines.

12-time event winner and reigning champion Nasser Al Attiyah got to within 1.4s of the leading pairing on his one-off outing with his own team in his Taurus T3 Max while his team-mate Khalifa Al Attiyah was fourth, less than 10 seconds from the leading crew.

Father/daughter combination Lionel and Lucie Baud were a fine fifth at the end of the their first stage of rallying in Dubai with their Mini JCW Rally.

It was a tough start to the weekend for a couple of pre-event favourites Khalid Aljalfa and Eduard Pons who were 2m28s and 2m40s down after the stage after delays, though they retain every chance of vying for honours in their battle for T3 class honours in the FIA World Cup Baja series.

Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski took the early bragging rights among the two-wheel entry, the 23-year-old steering his Duust Rally Team KTM 450 to fastest time in the 3.4km timed run at Hatta.

That was fully 25 seconds faster than Rafic Eid of the Lebanon on his Gasgas and 28.2 seconds quicker than Pedro Bianchi Prata on his Honda CRF.

Leading Quad rider on the Yamaha Raptors in the opening test was local man Abdulaziz Ahli, who had just under ten seconds in hand over Abdulaziz Al Atawi with the Saudi’s fellow countryman third Hani Al Noumesi third.

Following the stage in Hatta, the crews made their way back to the Service Park in Dubai Festival City for the tactically important Start Selection Ceremony.

The competitors were then flagged away at Ceremonial Start in front of the fans in Dubai Festival City by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council in the company of His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, Omar Abdullah Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Al Futtaim Group and His Excellency Dr Amer Al Zarooni Chief Executive Officer of the Al Jalila Foundation.

The crews then turned their attention to the challenges of Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 2.

In total there are 395km of timed  ‘selective’ sections across the weekend and, with the untimed sections, the crews are facing a total 867km of driving and riding until the champions of Dubai International Baja 2024 are crowned.

This year’s innovative use of the rugged landscape around Hatta means that gravel/dirt tracks make up 20% of the total route terrain on the selective sections. The rest is made up of open desert (35%) and 45% on the daunting dunes of Dubai which have made this rally so famous and popular with crews the world over.

Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 2 begins at 8am (Saturday 30^th November) with the first crews expected to complete the selective sections from 11.30am onwards, after which the teams will return to the Service Park in Dubai Festival Mall where they will be on view to spectators throughout the day.

Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, the event draws top competitors from around the globe to tackle the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.

-ENDS-

Featured in the calendars of both the 2024 FIA World Baja Cup and the 2024 FIM Bajas World Cup, the Dubai International Baja marks the season finale for both championships

This year’s competition has attracted participants from 37 countries, including a record 65 entrants in the cars category and 32 in the bikes and buggies categories

Government of Dubai Media Office – 29 November 2024: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, today flagged off the eighth edition of the Dubai International Baja organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council.

UAE’s oldest motorsport event

The oldest motorsport event in the UAE, the Dubai International Baja, is a world-class cross-country rally that brings together racers from all over the world. Coinciding with celebrations to mark the 53rd Eid Al Etihad, the event is being held from 28 November to 1 December. Based at the Dubai Festival City, the Dubai International Baja is held over a demanding course with its starting point in the beautiful and rugged landscape of Hatta before it enters the challenging dunes of the Al Qudra desert in Dubai.

Emirati inspiration

The Dubai International Baja this year features the participation of a record 65 cars and 32 bikes from 37 countries. The event is being broadcast in 190 territories around the world.

The event was attended by Mohammed Ahmed ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Emirati who is the record holder for most victories in the event with 15; and Omar Abdullah Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Al Futtaim Group.

Featured in the calendars of both the 2024 FIA World Baja Cup and the 2024 FIM Bajas World Cup, the Dubai International Baja also marks the season finale for both prestigious championships. The event is expected to provide an exhilarating culmination to the season, deciding the FIA World Cup and many individual classes. As a premier off-road motorsport event held in the UAE, the Dubai International Baja is also celebrating 45 years since its inception as the Dubai International Rally in 1979. Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, the event draws top competitors from around the globe to tackle the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Popular format

The event has been organised by the EMSO (formerly ATCUAE) since 1997. The introduction of the shorter Baja format better suited to desert terrain meant that the event could feature buggies, bikes and quads as well as cars, a development which has added greatly to the entertainment value and led to a flood of entrants from all around the region and the world.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and organised by the EMSO in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.

-ENDS-

• Teams and Crews Fine Tuning at Service Park, Festival City Mall
• Fans Getting Set for Start of Action in Hatta

Dubai, UAE, 28^th November 2024: The crews have arrived in Dubai and preparations are complete in the Service Park, Festival City Mall ahead of tomorrow’s final event in international off-road rallying season, the Dubai International Baja this week (November 28- December 1)

There is much cause for optimism for local fans ahead of the event which begins with the free to attend Qualifying Stage at Hatta at 14:30 with Mohammed Al Balooshi aiming for back to back wins on motorbikes while all-time great rallying hero Nasser al Attiyah from Qatar is back to defend his automobiles title with his own team..

For Al Balooshi, who heads into his home event leading the FIM Bajas World Cup Standings the prospect of securing a third win at home and taking a third World Cup title to go with it, is an exciting one as he explained at the pre-event press conference:

“I’m very happy to be participating in the 45^th edition and I very lucky to have participated in all eight Baja,” he said.

“This year the situation is different. I’m more relaxed. Last year was very high pressure. This year, the main task of the world championship is done and now the main task is to defend the Dubai International Baja title. I’ll give 100%.

“I’m injury free this year, I’m healthy, I feel I’m fit. I’m ready to win the world title and to win the Dubai International Baja on our national day. This is the icing on the cake.

“I look forward. I train all year for this moment. This is our race, our round of the season. I’ve done quite well in all the rounds so far this season and it’s time to bring it home now.”

For Nasser Al Attiyah, the defending and 12-time winner of the event had one simple answer when asked why he keeps coming back to the Dubai International Baja year after year:

“I love Dubai,” he said. “To be honest, I didn’t want to miss this race event though I won’t be driving the car that I will use in Dakar.

“This time is completely different. I am running a new team Nasser Racing. I need to look after my drivers but at some point I need to compete. Mr Mahir (Badri, CEO of the EMSO), was pushing me and I said ‘yes, definitely,’.

“I love to compete. Really I am so happy. This is such an important race in Baja and on the FIA calendar. It’s one of the best locations in the world . Everybody wants to come here to Dubai and the time that race is happening, it’s a great date. We are in good hands and thanks to everybody who made this happen.”

Speaking at the final press conference ahead of the event (Thursday 28^th November) Mr Mahir Badri, CEO of the EMSO said:

“On 2nd of December, 1971, history was made and Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid became the founding fathers of a nation. Their vision shaped the future of what we know today as the United Arab Emirates.

“In appreciation and gratitude, the Dubai International Baja’s final Stage has been named in honor of Zayed and Rashid.

“We’ve introduced several exciting changes this year. One of the most significant is the addition of a stage in Hatta, a beautiful city that offers a challenging and rocky terrain for competitors.

“Today, as we are celebrating the National Day of the UAE, we also celebrate 45 years of the Dubai International Baja, the final round of the FIA and FIM World Baja Championships.

“This event would not have been possible without the support of the Government of Dubai and its entities, including Dubai Police, Civil Defense, and Dubai Sports Council.

“We are also deeply grateful to our partners – Al Futtaim Group, Toyota, Festival City

Mall, and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) – for elevating this event to new heights.”

Fans are already soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the spectacle of the world’s top off road rallying crews fine tuning their vehicles and running through their plans for three tough days of arduous motorsport in the physically and technically demanding terrain offered by an event celebrating its 45^th edition this year.

For the teams and spectators, the addition of a Qualifying Stage in Hatta tomorrow at 14:30 is a considerable focus of attention. The unforgiving, rocky terrain in Hatta is amongst the most beautiful in the Middle East but is uncharted territory for most of the teams and carries the potential to badly compromise their event just as it begins.

After the teams vacate the Service Park tomorrow crowds will flock to Hatta for the all-important opening stage and a first opportunity to see the teams in action in Hatta since the Dubai International Rally switched to Baja machinery in 2016.

Following the completion of the action in Hatta the crews and fans will make their way back to Dubai Festival Mall for the Start Selection Ceremony and the Ceremonial Start with the entertainment starting at 19:00.

Al Jalila Foundation, global healthcare philanthropic organisation, has joined the Dubai International Baja family as the official charity party. Al Jalila Foundation leads the giving mission of Dubai Health and is dedicated to transforming patients lives.A record entry of cars, motorcycles and quads is already in place ahead of the Qualifying Stage in Hatta.

Portugal’s Joao Ferreira heads to Dubai with a nine-point lead over previous series leader Fernando Alvarez (Argentina) in the race to become the FIA World Cup Champion of 2024.

Titles are still up for grabs in numerous categories and all eyes will be on Emirati driver Khalid Aljalfa who took overall victory at the penultimate round in Jordan two weeks ago. Aljalfa is now level on points in the Challenger class with Spain’s Edoardo Pons and both are also tied for third overall.

Once again the event has garnered vital support from the Al Futtaim Group who will be hosting the event at the Dubai Festival City and supplying logistical support through Al Futtaim Toyota.

Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Toyota and Lexus, Al Futtaim Motors:

“It’s truly an honour and a privilege for us at Al Futtaim Motors, particularly as Toyota to be part of the event again and I’d like to welcome all the competitors and visitors to the event, a lot of which is held around our facility at Dubai Festival City so we’re looking forward to hosting you and helping you to enjoy all that not just the Festival City but also Dubai and Hatta has to offer.

“You can never quite understand what it takes to do this. It should be a good course to test the skills of the competitors and test the machinery. Hopefully there are a lot of Toyotas in the finishing lineup and we look forward to that.

“I think overall it’s a good opportunity not only to showcase Toyota and what it’s about but also the facility and Dubai.”

Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, the event draws top competitors from around the globe to tackle the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.

The desert classic event kicks off with a prologue stage in Hatta Suhaila Area, in Dubai at 14:30 on Friday, November 29^th, followed by the Ceremonial Start Selection Ceremony and the Ceremonial Start at Dubai Festival Bay from 19:00 on Friday evening offering spectators a chance to see all of the competitors in action ahead of Saturday and Sunday’s cross-country legs in Al Qudra Desert.

The event is entirely free to attend, but going to the desert may be challenging. 

Therefore the best opportunity to see these world class crews and their extraordinary machines is to come to see the Ceremonial Start in Festival City, the official event HQ throughout the weekend. 

There will be high-profile VIPs flagging off the race cars, bikes, quads and buggies.

This is a spectacular opportunity for motorsports lovers to see these wonderful mechanical beasts set against the amazing backdrop of Dubai’s skyline. 

Important: The Start Ceremony starts at 19:00hs and it is recommended for fans to be onsite in time to see a parade from the Dubai Police Band and grab a good spot to watch the event.

-ENDS-

• Off Road Rallying Season Heads To A Conclusion in Hatta and Al Qudra
• Record Entry Across the Classes
• Motocross Legend Sunderland Joins Hannes Kinigadner in National Rally

Dubai, UAE, 27th November 2024: The international off-road rallying season comes to a conclusion at the Dubai International Baja this week (November 28-December 1) as the world’s top crews get set to face off on the challenging dunes of Dubai and the rugged mountain terrain at Hatta.

Registration closed with a record entry of top-ranked drivers and riders in all categories entered for the eighth edition of one the Middle East’s most important annual world-class sports events.

The popular festival of two- and four-wheel motorsport quickly captured the imagination of fans across the world upon its recreation as a Baja rally in 2016 and this year’s event features the added thrill of a final round decider to see who will succeed Nasser Al Attiyah as the FIA Baja World Cup Champion.

After second place in Jordan two weeks ago, Portugal’s Joao Ferreira heads to Dubai with a nine-point lead over previous series leader Fernando Alvarez (Argentina) in the race to become the FIA World Cup Champion of 2024.

Titles are still up for grabs in numerous categories and Emirati driver Khalid Aljalfa is now level on points in the Challenger class with Spain’s Edoardo Pons. Both are also tied for third overall and after Aljalfa’s come-from-behind overall victory at the penultimate round in Jordan, hopes are high for an overall win for the UAE on home ground next Sunday.

Among the record entry of competitors across the classes from the international to the national is one intriguing combination in the list of National Event competitors.

One of the most inspiring racers in the world of off road motorsport, Austria’s Heinz Kinigadner, is teaming up with another former motocross rider, rally legend Sam Sunderland for a first foray together in the Dubai International Baja aboard a CanAm Side by Side machine this weekend.

Kinigadner, a motocross rider who faced a life-changing racing accident in 2003 is the driving force behind the world famous Wings for Life Foundation in association with Red Bull.

Hannes along with World Rally Raid Champion Sunderland, the latter having recently retired from two-wheeled competition, are joining forces and celebrating two first times. It will be Sam’s first event calling the pacenotes in a car, and Kinigadner’s first Dubai International Baja.

Once again the event has garnered vital support from the Dubai Government and its entities which helps Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) to deliver one of the most eagerly anticipated international motorsports events of the year in the UAE.

The coordinated support of the various municipal authorities including the National Guard, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs among many other important stakeholders goes a long way to ensuring the smooth running of a unique international sports event with a moving arena of competition in areas with significant logistical challenges. Their support is key.

H.E. Saeed Hareb the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said: “It is with pride that we support the 45th edition of an event which has helped keep the UAE and Dubai at the forefront of Middle Eastern and world motorsports.

“The strength of Dubai International Baja can be directly attributed to the enthusiastic cooperation of so many groups which come together to support this important international sports event for the good of Dubai.

“The organizers can truly understand and appreciate the benefit for competitors and officials of the support received from all the stakeholders and we look forward to a weekend of top-class motorsports competition.”

Mohammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of the EMSO and of the UAE Sports Executive Committee, commented: “The continuing long-time support of the Government of Dubai and its entities makes it possible for us to deliver top-class rallying of world renown.

“We are proud to be able to present the region in all its glory. The epic scenery, the challenging topography and the technological expertise of Dubai all combine to present a wonderful sporting event showcasing the best of UAE and Dubai to a local, regional and international audience.”

In what is the fourth year of this key collaboration, ENOC Group, a Dubai Government oil and gas giant with presence in 60 different markets globally, will provide the event participants, organiser vehicles and search and rescue helicopters with different types of high-performance fuel and will supply fuel to remote refuelling stops deep into the desert.

Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, the event draws top competitors from around the globe to tackle the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy

Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.

The desert classic event kicks off with a prologue stage in Hatta Suhaila Area, in Dubai at 14:30 on Friday (November 29), followed by the Ceremonial Start Selection Ceremony and the Ceremonial Start at Dubai Festival Bay from 19:00 on Friday evening offering spectators a chance to see all of the competitors in action ahead of Saturday and Sunday’s cross-country legs in Al Qudra Desert.

The event is entirely free to attend, but going to the desert may be challenging. Therefore the best opportunity to see these world class crews and their extraordinary machines is to come to see the Ceremonial Start in Festival City, the official event HQ throughout the weekend.

There will be high-profile VIPs flagging off the race cars, bikes, quads and buggies. This is a spectacular opportunity for motorsports lovers to see these wonderful mechanical beasts set against the amazing backdrop of Dubai’s skyline.

Important: The Start Ceremony starts at 19:00hrs and it is recommended for fans to be onsite in time to see parade from Dubai Police and grab a good spot to watch the event.

-ENDS-

• Defending Champions Nasser Al Attiyah and Mohammed Al Balooshi head Entry List
• Top Off-Road Racers Bid for FIA and FIM Titles
• World Championship Leader Joao Ferreira Faces Off Against Fernando Alvarez for FIA Baja World Championship
• Dubai Baja comes back to the heart of the City in Dubai Festival City.

• Dubai, UAE, 20^th November 2024: Multiple event winners Nasser Al Attiyah and local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi head the car and bike entries as the world’s top off-road crews get set to take on the challenging dunes of Dubai and rugged beauty of Hatta next week.

Titles are still up for grabs in numerous categories as the FIA and FIM World Cup season comes to a conclusion at the eighth edition of the Dubai International Baja Dubai International Baja next week (November 28-December 1).

The world’s top ranked drivers and riders are turning their attention to one final push for glory in 2024 in what is among the Middle East’s most important annual global sports events.

Since its reinvention as a Baja rally in 2016 breathed new energy into the event, the Dubai International Baja has become a ‘must do’ for off-road competitors and fans alike and this year’s adventure takes in the rocky surroundings of Hatta followed by the severely technical dunes in Dubai with the event hub once again centered at the heart of the city, in Dubai Festival City.

The Dubai event becomes the championship decider for both the FIM motorcycle Bajas World Cup and most of the car classes of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas.

Once again the organisers will rely on the renowned reliability and off-road capability of Toyota vehicles including Land Cruisers to enable event officials to perform key time-sensitive tasks in the most challenging desert terrain.

The vital assistance of Al-Futtaim Toyota in supplying support vehicles helps make the arduous logistical challenges of the rally possible for the competitors and organisers alike.

With registration closed, a stellar lineup of talent has been confirmed with Toyota supplying the biggest number of cars in the Ultimate category.

After making his FIA Baja series debut on the Dubai International Baja last year, rising US star Seth Quintero will return with high hopes of overall success in his Toyota Hilux partnered by Germany’s Dennis Zenz.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing challenge also includes Brazil’s Lucas Moraes who stunned the regulars by winning stage one on his cross country competition debut at Dubai in 2022. He went on to finish fifth and second in class in one of the world’s most physically demanding Bajas.

Partnered by Armand Monleon in his Hilux he will be expected to cope well as will Juan Cruz Yacopini of the Toyota Overdrive team, the experienced Argentinian who was a podium finisher in Dubai 12 months ago back with Dani Oliveras on pace notes once again.

Completing the Toyota Overdrive attack are Frenchmen Ronan Chabot and Gilles Pillot.

Facing the Hilux equipped stars is a significant array of challengers including last year’s Dubai winner and the most successful competitor in the history of the event, Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah who is back to compete on one of his favourite events.

This time the eight-time world champion (five Cross Country Rally titles and three-time W2RC Rally Raid champion) is not competing in the ‘big car’ class as he has elected to drive a Taurus T3 Challenger run by his own blossoming team. While working on the development of the new Dacia Sandrider which aims to take the 2025 rally raid season by storm, he is also focused on developing new and emerging talent.

Among the names rising in prominence is Emirati hero Khalid Aljafla fresh from an outstanding overall victory in his T3 Taurus Challenge machine, beating even the cars racing in the top “Ultimate”class, in last weekend’s penultimate round of the FIA series, Jordan Baja. The local driver heads to the season finale leading the T3 World Cup tied in the points with Spaniard Eduardo Pons, but with a narrow advantage of having won in Jordan and now heading towards his home event.

Second last weekend, new overall world championship leader Joao Ferreira and Felipe Palmeiro (X-Raid Mini JCW Team) will face off for the world title against erstwhile leaders Fernando Alvarez and Xavier Panseri (South Racing Can-Am), the latter crew having already won the T4 class but with their sights now set on the biggest prize of all.

Leading the women’s challenge is Saudi driver Dania Akeel who recently moved up to the Ultimate cars while another notable entry is emerging Norwegian rallycross and Extreme E star Hedda Hosås transitioning into the FIA Baja World Cup series in a R-X Sport run Maverick X3.

Among the motorcycles, local superstar Mohammed Al Balooshi is out to defend his Dubai International Baja title and make it a third success on the event in total. Al Balooshi tuned up for his home event with victory in the Jordan Baja last Sunday and is clearly on flying form with a second consecutive World Cup Title, and the third of his career in his sights.

Al-Futtaim Motors are once again deeply embedded in the final round of the FIA and FIM International Baja World Cups through the location of the event headquarters and service park at Dubai Festival City and the vital logistical support of Al-Futtaim Motors-Toyota.

Jacques Brent – Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota: “We are proud to once again partner with the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) and continue contributing to our collaborative legacy of motorsport thrills, high-endurance and supreme driving skills through another edition of the Dubai International Baja. The partnership perfectly aligns with the UAE’s as well as Toyota’s motoring heritage. The Dubai International Baja is a perfect proving ground where Toyota’s capabilities are tested against diverse terrains, from the sweeping desert dunes to the rugged Hajar Mountains in Hatta. Through events like these, we continue to translate lessons from the races into technologies that shape the future of Toyota’s next generation of high-performance cars.

“The race is a perfect embodiment of our enduring legacies – Toyota, a brand rooted in reliability and innovation, and Al-Futtaim Automotive, a proud homegrown UAE company deeply invested in the nation’s journey of progress.”

Muhammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of the EMSO and of the UAE Sports Executive Committee: “We would like to thank Al-Futtaim Automotive for their incredible support. Together we have taken the event to the next level, and their strategic support that took the event to the spectacular Dubai Festival City sets a great example on how to bring a predominantly remote event to the heart of the city. We are delighted to continue the collaboration with Al-Futtaim Automotive and of course with Toyota, our brand of choice for the use of race officials. At an event which asks so much of competitors and machinery, access to machinery as robust and reliable as the Toyota Land Cruisers serves to enhance the experience of everyone involved in the Dubai International Baja.”

The Dubai International Baja is a premier off-road motorsport event held annually in the UAE, celebrating 45 years since its inception as the Dubai International Rally in 1979. Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, the event draws top competitors from around the globe to tackle the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.

Serving as the final round of both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIM Bajas World Cup, the Dubai International Baja reinforces its significance in the region’s motorsport heritage.

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Under the patronage of Hamdan bin Mohammed

Dubai International Baja in Hatta set to provide the final flourish in Baja World Cup series

The introduction of a prologue qualifying stage spices up the tussle for championship places in various classes of competition, be it cars, bikes or buggies

Spectator-friendly stages leading up to final round offer opportunities aplenty for motorsport enthusiasts to catch some of the world’s best rally racers in action

Government of Dubai Media Office – 18 November 2024: Two weeks out from the Baja World Cup title showdown at the Dubai International Baja, competing teams are drawing up elaborate plans and strategies for their visit to one of the UAE’s most serene and picturesque locations, with one of the most vibrant urban developments in the region getting set to become the centre of all the action.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the event is organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC). It is backed by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, and enjoys the strategic support of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA, and Dubai Municipality. Additionally, the event proudly partners with charity organisation Al Jalila Foundation.

The Dubai International Baja, an event renowned throughout the off-road motorsports world for its desert challenges, makes a statement this year with a route characterised by unique and awe-inspiring geographical contrasts. For the first time in its current incarnation as an off-road challenge, the event moves away from the traditional sand dunes to venture into the rugged, rural idyll of Hatta for the spectator-friendly prologue at 2.30pm on Friday, 29 November.

Hatta plays host to Dubai International Baja for the first time this year but the spectacular and must-see destination that attracts Emirati and international visitors alike is already a familiar stop in the rallying circuit at the highest level having played host to the event’s predecessor, the FIA Dubai International Rally, for several years up to 2015.

The spectacular rocky terrain high in the Hajar Mountains will provide a unique and demanding challenge for drivers and riders before they enter the rolling dunes, which are the familiar stomping ground of the FIA and FIM World Cup competitors coming to Dubai.

Set against the backdrop of the Hajar peaks and within touching distance of the turquoise waters of the Hatta Dam, which offer an equally idyllic getaway for Dubai watersports enthusiasts, the world-famous inland enclave will provide the ideal setting for the vaunted field to set out on this year’s Dubai International Baja.

The introduction of the prologue qualifying stage will make this final round of the FIA/FIM World Cup series even more challenging for the crews vying for championship honours in the various competition classes, be it cars, bikes or buggies.

The Qualifying Stage of 4.5 km in Hatta will be a relatively short test on demanding terrain that offers a new challenge to many of the competitors while making its presence felt as a section of key strategic importance.

The prologue establishes the starting position for Special Stage 1 early on Saturday, 30 November and, for the top ten competitors, there is the added opportunity to select their starting position via an ingenious system.

An opportunity no less for fans

Fans travelling to Hatta for the Prologue will witness a stage of key importance in deciding the overall honours. Continuing the organisers’ policy of bringing the event to the city to make it as accessible as possible to the legions of motorsports fans across the region, Dubai Festival City will once again serve as the event hub throughout the four days of the event, with the official opening ceremony set to wow the crowds on the evening of 29 November.

The Ceremonial Start will be immediately preceded by the Start Selection Ceremony when the top ten competitors from the Prologue will make their choice of starting position for Special Stage 1. The tenth fastest racer from the Prologue is first to make a selection of starting position in the top ten followed by the ninth fastest who can select a position before, after or on the position of previous competitor and can move the previous racer up or down in the order.

Game of strategy

A fascinating game of strategy ensues as the top competitors make their choices. No one wants to be first on the stage, opening the ‘road’ for the other competitors. Even so, being too far back in the order is also a potential disadvantage, and so the Starting Order Ceremony is always particularly closely watched in the FIA and FIM Bajas World Cup series.

The return to Dubai Festival City for the Opening Ceremony at 7 pm on Friday evening, 29 November, offers fans another opportunity to get close to the competitors and their spectacular machines in the very heart of Dubai. The biggest entertainment, dining and fashion mall in the city sit on the edge of the desert at the doorstep to the city.

The remarkable proximity and inclusion of both the desert setting and the urban landscape are part of the charm of the event, which attracts a world class field across the categories, with many crews citing the unique locations as the one reason they yearn to return year after year.

The inclusion of the protected enclave of Hatta in this year’s event is only possible thanks to the vital support from local agencies and stakeholders including the Dubai Sports Council and the police force.

Muhammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and the UAE Sports Executive Committee, stated: “We are excited to unveil the introduction of a prologue that will amaze and delight our regular competitors with the fascinating terrain in the always welcoming city of Hatta.

“This is an innovation which we are sure will enhance the rally’s appeal for competitors, showcasing a landscape of Dubai that is perhaps less known to the international audience, and providing a fantastic spectacle for the local community to enjoy.

“The event also returns to Dubai Festival City this year, and with this mix, we anticipate a thrilling event that captivates audiences and competitors alike.

“Our collaboration with the Dubai Government, alongside the FIA and FIM, reflects our commitment to delivering a remarkable experience that upholds the highest standards of organisation and safety for all participants and spectators.”

The Dubai International Baja is a premier off-road motorsport event held annually in the UAE. The event marks 45 years since its inception as the Dubai International Rally in 1979. Now in its eighth edition under the Baja format, it draws top competitors from around the globe to take on the challenging dunes of Dubai.

Serving as the final round of both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIM Bajas World Cup, the Dubai International Baja is primed to reassert its place in the region’s motorsport heritage.

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