Qatar Baja: Barreto and Dabrowski fastest in the prologue
The newsroomUpdated on October 30, 20264 minIn the Qatar International Baja prologue at Lusail, Francisco Barreto (Toyota) and Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) set the best times ahead of the 336.45 km first stage.
Key point
Francisco Barreto (Toyota) in the cars and Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) on the bikes set the best times in the Qatar International Baja prologue on Thursday 29 October 2026 at Lusail.
The Qatar International Baja, penultimate round of the FIA World Baja Cup and Middle East Baja Cup, produced its first times on Thursday 29 October 2026 with the Lusail prologue. In the cars, Francisco Barreto and Paulo Fiúza (Toyota Hilux IMT Evo) were fastest; among the bikes, Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) took the lead.
Cars: Barreto on top, even with a penalty
Barreto and Fiúza clocked 7:06.9, including a 5-second penalty for a missed gate. Behind them:
- Saood Variawa / Charan Moore (Toyota Hilux IMT Evo), 12.1 seconds back;
- Nasser Al-Attiyah / Max Delfino (Optimus MD Rallye), level with Variawa but classified behind after a 5-second penalty;
- Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari / Oriol Mena (Can-Am Maverick R), fourth in 7:21.9;
- Nouef Al-Sowaidi / Aisvydas Paliukenas (Taurus T3 Max), fifth in 7:26.1.
The Dutch pair Mitchel van den Brink and Bart van Heun (Can-Am Maverick R) were sixth in 7:26.9, third among the Challengers, after losing time by overlooking a flag and reversing. Twelve of the 37 cars picked up a gate penalty, including Barreto, Al-Attiyah and Lionel Baud, who was 26th after a puncture.
Bikes: Dabrowski, McInnes 1.3 seconds back
Among the bikes, Dabrowski set 7:15.1, ahead of Britain's Alex McInnes (KTM) by 1.3 seconds. Romain Dumontier was third, 30.3 seconds back. The Dutchman Luc Dumore (Husqvarna) was eleventh, 1:26.5 behind. All 45 bikes finished. Among the quads, Abdulaziz Ahli (Yamaha Raptor 700) led in 8:28.1.
What is at stake
Before the event, according to the FIA, Van den Brink led Barreto by 7 points in the World Baja Cup drivers' standings, with Lionel Baud behind. In Stock, Majed Al-Thunayyan needed 8 points to overtake Al-Mashna Al-Shammeri. In the Middle East Baja Cup, Al-Attiyah led by 44 points.
What comes next
The ceremonial start sent off 37 cars, 45 bikes and 8 quads. On Friday 30 October, the first stage covers 336.45 km in the north and centre of the country, the longest selective stage of the World Baja Cup. First bike at 06:55, first car at 09:00, local time. The second stage, 204.79 km, follows on Saturday 31 October.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
Who set the fastest car time in the prologue?
Francisco Barreto and Paulo Fiúza (Toyota Hilux IMT Evo) in 7:06.9, despite a 5-second penalty for a missed gate.
Who leads the prologue among the bikes?
Konrad Dabrowski (KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica) in 7:15.1, ahead of Alex McInnes by 1.3 seconds.
What happens on Friday 30 October?
The first stage, 336.45 km long, the longest selective stage of the World Baja Cup. First bike at 06:55, first car at 09:00, local time.
How did the Dutch crews do?
Mitchel van den Brink and Bart van Heun (Can-Am Maverick R) were sixth in 7:26.9, third among the Challengers. Luc Dumore was eleventh among the bikes.
Sources
- RallyTracks — Barreto and Dabrowski set the tone in Qatar International Baja prologue
- FIA — QMMF's Qatar International Baja sets the stage for penultimate rounds of the Baja Cups
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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