Qatar Baja: Al-Attiyah wins, Dąbrowski takes a fourth on two wheels
The newsroomUpdated on November 3, 20264 minQatar International Baja: Nasser Al-Attiyah wins for the 13th time and seals the Middle East Baja Cup, Dąbrowski takes a 4th bike win and Barreto is second.
Key point
On 31 October 2026 Nasser Al-Attiyah won the Qatar International Baja, securing the Middle East Baja Cup title, while runner-up Francisco Barreto heads to Dubai leading the FIA World Baja Cup.
The Qatar International Baja ended on 31 October 2026 with a win for Nasser Al-Attiyah and Max Delfino (Optimus MD Rallye), which secures the crew the FIA Middle East Baja Cup title. In the bike class, Konrad Dąbrowski (KTM) won in Qatar for the fourth time. The race also keeps the FIA World Baja Cup alive, with its finale to be settled in Dubai.
Al-Attiyah, 13th win in Qatar
Al-Attiyah and Delfino completed the event in 5:12:54.1. It is the Qatari's 13th win in this race since 2004 and his first since 2023. Portugal's Francisco Barreto and co-driver Paulo Fiúza (Toyota Hilux IMT Evo) finished second, 29:08.7 behind, and arrive in Dubai leading the World Baja Cup. Lionel Baud (Mini JCW Rally) completed the Ultimate podium, 47:43.7 back.
In the other car classes:
- Challenger: Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari won, ahead of Khalifa Al-Attiya;
- SSV: Argentina's Fernando Álvarez won, ahead of Ghanim Al-Attiyah, who was making his debut at the event;
- Stock: Abdulla Al-Rabban won for the third year in a row. Majed Al-Thunayyan was crowned world champion in the category.
Bikes: Dąbrowski wins, McInnes bounces back
Konrad Dąbrowski (KTM 450 Rally Replica) won in 6:22:05, ahead of Alex McInnes, 5:12 behind. His wins in Qatar came in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026. The Pole started the final day with a 5:18 lead; McInnes had lost 4:47 to a navigation error. Romain Dumontier won the 204.79 km final stage, 1:58 ahead of McInnes, and finished third overall. KTMs took the top seven places.
McInnes is aiming for the FIM Bajas World Cup title in Dubai. In the quads, Khalifa Al-Bastaki (Yamaha) won ahead of Abdulaziz Ahli.
The Dutch crew and what comes next
Mitchel van den Brink and Bart van Heun (Can-Am Maverick R) were slowed by electrical problems on Friday. They finished 17th overall, fourth on Saturday's stage and second in Challenger, and remain leaders of their category.
Next up is the Dubai International Baja, from 5 to 8 November, which will decide the FIA World Baja Cup and Middle East Baja Cup titles. Al-Attiyah then heads to Jeddah, followed by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Qatar International Baja?
Nasser Al-Attiyah and Max Delfino (Optimus MD Rallye) won in 5:12:54.1, ahead of Francisco Barreto and Paulo Fiúza, 29:08.7 behind.
Who won the bike class?
Konrad Dąbrowski (KTM) won in 6:22:05, ahead of Alex McInnes, 5:12 behind. It is his fourth win in Qatar.
What is the next round of the Baja Cups?
The Dubai International Baja, from 5 to 8 November, decides the FIA World Baja Cup and Middle East Baja Cup titles.
Sources
- FIA — Al-Attiyah and Delfino storm to Qatar International Baja victory
- Rallytracks — Al-Attiyah and Dąbrowski win in Qatar, Van den Brink bounces back
- 131 Offroad — 2026 Qatar International Baja recap
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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