Dubai International Baja Kicks Off: A Thrilling Start to the Off-Road Rally Season

The excitement has finally converged as the ninth edition of the Dubai International Baja unfolds, marking a climactic moment in the international off-road rally calendar. Held in the picturesque Hatta region, the prologue event spans 5.64 kilometers and has already set the stage for a riveting competition.

Setting the Pace in Hatta

Among the notable competitors, Seth Quintero, the rising American star from the Dakar circuit, showcased his skills by clinching the early lead in his Toyota Hilux, completing the prologue in 4 minutes and 32.1 seconds. This performance came after a near-miss in the previous year’s event, where he just barely missed out on the top spot. Quintero’s closest rivals included Martin Prokop from the Czech Republic, who finished just 2.2 seconds behind, and Juan Cruz Yacopini from Argentina, rounding out the top three in another Toyota.

Konrad Dabrowski Aims for Glory

Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski, the reigning titleholder, began his campaign to defend his crown with an impressive performance. The 24-year-old tackled the Hatta terrain on his Duust KTM 450 Rally, clocking in seven seconds faster than French competitor Jean-Loup Lepan. Dabrowski expressed both the challenges he faced and his determination, stating, “It was a lot more difficult than it looked on the video. It was really slippery…but I felt quite good on the bike.”

Local Favorites and Competitors

Two-time event champion Mohammed Al-Balooshi, another local favorite, encountered a rocky start, literally. After temporarily stopping to remove a stone lodged in his front sprocket, he slipped back an inconvenient 1 minute and 42 seconds behind Dabrowski. Despite the rough beginning, Al-Balooshi maintained an optimistic outlook, explaining that the more significant challenges lay ahead over the next two days.

“It was too slippery,” he said. “I took it easy today; I don’t need to brag. Tomorrow, the rally really starts.”

Dominance in the Quad Category

Abdulaziz Ahli continued his stronghold in the Quad category, maintaining his lead as he heads into the Al Qudra desert, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor. Meanwhile, in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, Saudi driver Dania Akeel holds a slender points lead over Qatari competitor Khalifa S. Al-Attiya. Akeel’s ninth-fastest time overall gives her a narrow edge to kick off the event.

The National Class Competitors Take Action

As the national competitors revved up the excitement on day one, Maksim Deikin, Ruslan Gubaev, and Francesco Dracone emerged as the front runners. They opened the competition for the international participants, setting a lively tone for the rally ahead.

After the prologue, competitors returned to Dubai Festival City Mall for a celebratory Ceremonial Start, where they were introduced to a sizeable audience and a distinguished roster of guests, including His Excellency Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, and various local dignitaries.

What Lies Ahead: The Challenge of Al Qudra

This year’s edition brings a record number of entries from the FIA and FIM Baja World Cup, with participants now shifting their focus to the grueling 390-kilometer challenge set for the following days in Dubai’s majestic Al Qudra Desert. The competitive roster will see its first competitor roll out from the Dubai Festival Mall Service Park at 8 AM Saturday morning.

The rally promises to kick off from the iconic arch made of Ghaf trees at Al Marmoom, launching competitors onto 195 kilometers of the Al-Futtaim Toyota special stage. The excitement is set to peak as the afternoon draws to a close, with all competitors expected back at the Dubai Festival Mall by 3 PM.

The Dubai International Baja is conducted under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. With expert organization by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) and support from various local government entities, this event not only underscores the spirit of competition but also highlights the collaboration and dedication of Dubai as a hub for sporting events.