After a tough first stage through the impressive Wadi Rum desert, Yazeed Al-Rajhi, together with navigator Timo Gottschalk, has significantly extended his leading position in the Jordan Baja 2025. The Toyota crew of Overdrive Racing now leads by more than six minutes ahead of teammates Martin Kaczmarski and Armand Monleón.
In the motorcycles, Mohammed Al-Balooshi (Husqvarna) took the lead from Rafic Eid (GasGas), after a strong ride of more than 294 kilometers. His lead is now 2 minutes and 25 seconds. In the quad category, Hani Al-Noumesi (Yamaha) remains unchallenged on his way to the full points score.
The day started with Juan Cruz Yacopini first on the route, followed by Miroslav Zapletal and Al-Rajhi. The Saudi was in top form, overtaking his predecessors and even closing in on the fastest bikes halfway through. Despite a last-minute helmet crisis at the start – solved with the help of Hamza Bakhashab – he managed to secure his lead.
“We forgot our helmets in the service area, but luckily Hamza and his co-driver jumped in. After that, the day went well,” said Al-Rajhi.
Kaczmarski won the second part of the stage, but could not make up for the time lost in the first part. Yacopini was close behind him and is third. In the Challenger class, the day’s victory went to Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah (Taurus T3 Max), who also leads the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.
Hamza Bakhashab was fastest in the SSV class, and Abdullah Al-Rabban leads the Stock cars. Several competitors lost time due to mechanical problems, including Aleksei Shmotov, Mansour Al-Helai and Amerigo Ventura. Dania Akeel suffered damage to her suspension.
In the motorcycles, Al-Balooshi rode strongly, despite a delayed start and being hampered by faster cars on the course.
“After 35 kilometers I was in front. It was tough between the cars, but I kept the pace up and won the stage. Now focus on taking the win,” he said.
Philip Horlemann came third, followed by Thomas Childs and Abdullah Abu Aisheh.
Final stage on Saturday
The final stage of 189.92 kilometers is on the program on Saturday. After that, all participants return to Aqaba for the prize-giving ceremony at the Arab Revolt Plaza. The Jordan National Baja and the Wadi Al-Qamar Navigational Rally will also be completed then.
