Qatar International Baja: Lusail hosts penultimate Baja Cups round
The newsroomUpdated on October 22, 20264 minFrom 29 to 31 October 2026, the Qatar International Baja brings 37 cars to Lusail for the penultimate round of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups.
Key point
The Qatar International Baja (29-31 October) gathers 37 cars over 541.24 km of timed stages; Van den Brink and Al-Attiyah lead their Baja Cups.
The Qatar International Baja, organised by the Qatar federation QMMF, runs from 29 to 31 October 2026 in Lusail, Qatar. According to the FIA, it is the penultimate round of both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. In total, 37 cars are entered: 11 count for the World Baja Cup and 15 for the regional series.
A route with 18% more timed kilometres
The route has 18% more competitive kilometres: 541.24 km of stages (excluding the prologue) out of 860.05 km in total. The programme:
- Wednesday 28 October: administrative and technical checks, press conference at 18:00;
- Thursday 29 October: 11.12 km prologue at 14:45, ceremonial start at 18:45;
- Friday 30 October: first stage of 336.45 km across the northern and central Qatari desert, the longest selective section in the World Baja Cup;
- Saturday 31 October: second stage of 204.79 km through the south of the country, including the Sealine dunes, then the podium at 19:30.
World Baja Cup: Van den Brink ahead of Barreto
According to the FIA, Dania Akeel (Overdrive Racing) leads by 8 points, but she has already completed her six nominated events and is not competing. In the drivers' standings, Mitchel van den Brink (South Racing Can-Am) leads Francisco Barreto (SVR Toyota) by 7 points and Lionel Baud (X-Raid) by 25. Barreto has just won the Baja Portalegre 500 in Portugal. In Stock, Majed Al-Thunayyan needs 8 points to overtake Al-Mashna Al-Shammeri.
Middle East Baja Cup: Al-Attiyah chases a hat-trick
In the regional series, Nasser Al-Attiyah (Optimus MD Rallye) leads Mohammed Al-Marri by 44 points, with Yasir Seaidan absent. He scored maximum points in Saudi Arabia and Jordan and is seeking a third straight win. Mohammed Al-Marri has already secured the Junior title.
The rest of the calendar
The FIA calendar has eight rounds, with the best six scores counting. The last is the Dubai International Baja, from 5 to 8 November 2026.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Qatar International Baja?
From 29 to 31 October 2026: an 11.12 km prologue on Thursday 29, the first stage on Friday 30 and the second on Saturday 31, with the podium at 19:30.
How many cars are entered?
The FIA counts 37 cars: 11 for the FIA World Baja Cup and 15 for the Middle East Baja Cup.
Who leads the championships before Qatar?
In the World Baja Cup, Mitchel van den Brink leads Francisco Barreto by 7 points. In the Middle East Baja Cup, Nasser Al-Attiyah leads Mohammed Al-Marri by 44 points.
What is the last round of the World Baja Cup?
The Dubai International Baja, from 5 to 8 November 2026, the eighth and final round; the best six scores count.
Sources
- FIA — Qatar International Baja, penultimate round of the Baja Cups
- FIA — FIA World 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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