Baja Portalegre 500: 65 crews, titles at stake in Portugal
The newsroomUpdated on October 14, 20264 minFrom 15 to 17 October 2026 the Baja Portalegre 500 counts for the FIA World Baja Cup and European Baja Cup: 65 crews, 699.20 km and titles still to be decided.
Key point
The 40th Baja Portalegre 500 (15-17 October) brings 65 crews over 699.20 km, with World and European Baja Cup standings still open.
The Baja Portalegre 500 runs from 15 to 17 October 2026 in Portugal's Alentejo region. In its 40th edition, the event counts towards the FIA World Baja Cup (sixth round) and the FIA European Baja Cup. According to the FIA, 65 crews are entered: 17 in Ultimate, 25 in Challenger, 19 in SSV and 4 in Stock.
A 699.20 km route
The total route is 699.20 km, of which 435.29 km are timed (subject to final checks). After scrutineering and the ceremonial start in Portalegre on Thursday 15 October, the race unfolds in three stages:
- Friday 16 October: a 5.02 km prologue, then a first special of 72.01 km between Ponte de Sor and Crato;
- Saturday 17 October: a second special of 172.08 km, then a third of 186.18 km, between Ponte de Sor, Gafete and Portalegre;
- Saturday 17 October, 17:00: podium, followed by the prize-giving at 19:30.
World Baja Cup: leaders absent
In the World Baja Cup, both category leaders are not travelling to Portugal. In Ultimate, Saood Variawa (Toyota Gazoo Racing SA) leads with 232 points after four events, but he is absent. In SSV, Mansour Al-Helai is also missing; he is 20 points behind Variawa. The top seed in Portugal is Dania Akeel (Overdrive Racing, Toyota Hilux), third in the standings and two points behind Al-Helai.
In Challenger, Mitchel Van Den Brink leads by two points over Hamed Al-Wahaibi, who hopes to return from injury for the final two rounds; Van Den Brink is the only Challenger scoring World points in Portugal. In Stock, Al-Mashna Al-Shammeri (Nissan Patrol) leads Majed Al-Thunayyan, and Fernando Barreiros (Isuzu D-Max), winner of two of the last three rounds, is 52 points behind the leader.
European Baja Cup: a title takes shape
In Europe, Benediktas Vanagas and Aisvydas Paliukenas (Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics) lead the overall standings by 22 points. Poland's Maríusz Wiatr and Łukasz Łaskawiec can still chase the title but are not in Portugal. In Challenger, Marek Kubicek leads by 7 points over Dinís Rogeira after three straight wins; Rogeira has already been named Junior champion. Under the official calendar, each competitor may count only six of the eight Bajas.
Key takeaway
The Baja Portalegre 500 brings two FIA championships together in the same weekend. The results up to Saturday 17 October will shape the final standings, especially in Europe, where several titles are decided on the spot.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Baja Portalegre 500?
From 15 to 17 October 2026: ceremonial start on Thursday evening, prologue and first special on Friday 16 October, two specials on Saturday 17 October, with the podium at 17:00.
How many crews are entered?
The FIA counts 65 crews: 17 in Ultimate, 25 in Challenger, 19 in SSV and 4 in Stock.
Are the World Baja Cup leaders at the start?
No: Saood Variawa in Ultimate and Mansour Al-Helai in SSV are absent. Dania Akeel is the top seed in Portugal.
How long is the race?
The total route is 699.20 km, of which 435.29 km are timed, subject to final checks.
Sources
- FIA — World and European Baja Cups resume with Portugal's Baja Portalegre 500
- FIA — FIA European Baja Cup 2026: calendar
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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