The sixth edition of the Jordan Baja kicks off tomorrow in the port city of Aqaba. With competitors from no fewer than 23 countries, the spectacle in the Wadi Rum desert promises once again to be a fierce battle. The rally counts towards both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, with motorcyclists also fighting for points in their own championship.
The opening day features a short prologue of 5.15 kilometers along South Beach, near Aqaba. Later in the day, the ceremonial start takes place at the Arab Revolt Plaza, with the Red Sea providing a stunning backdrop. After that, the real challenge begins: two grueling rally days through the enchanting yet treacherous Wadi Rum desert, with a 294-kilometer stage on Friday and almost 190 kilometers on Saturday.
Top contenders at the start
The main favorites for victory are Yazeed Al-Rajhi and his experienced German navigator Timo Gottschalk. The duo, who also claimed victory at the 2025 Dakar Rally, currently lead the FIA World Baja Cup standings after the opening round. They will start in one of four powerful Toyota Hilux Overdrive vehicles.
Gottschalk is looking forward to the rally in Jordan: “It’s been a while since we’ve been here, but I have great memories of this event. It’s a beautiful rally, with stunning terrain and excellent organization.”
Their main challenger appears to be Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini, who, alongside his Spanish co-driver Dani Oliveras, is defending second place in the standings.
Also lining up is Saudi driver Dania Akeel, the reigning champion of the Middle East Baja Cup. Competing in her Toyota Hilux, she holds a narrow lead in the regional championship and will be eager to extend it.
No Dutch participants this year
Unfortunately, there will be no Dutch competitors at this year’s Jordan Baja. Erik van Loon, currently fourth in the FIA World Baja Cup standings, has opted to compete in Morocco this weekend instead. While this means he misses out on valuable points in the championship, the Moroccan event better aligns with his racing program.
With Van Loon absent, the door is open for other contenders in the SSV class, such as Abdullah Al-Haydan (Can-Am), Paul Severn (Polaris), and Maha Al-Hamali (Can-Am), to close the gap in the championship. The battle in the SSV category promises to be thrilling, with strong competitors from both the Middle East and Europe.
Navigation challenge in Wadi Rum
One thing is clear: this will not be an easy rally. Wadi Rum is renowned for its challenging navigation. Ahmed Al-Kuwari, who competed here last year, remembers just how tough it was to open the stage: “It was really difficult, it reminded me of the stages in Al-Ula. The competition in the Challenger class is fierce, and the battle is getting more intense.”
Newcomers like Mansour Al-Helai from the UAE are also eagerly anticipating their first Jordan Baja: “I’ve raced here before in the Middle East Junior WRC, but Wadi Rum is new territory for me. I’m looking forward to the adventure.”
Forecasted temperatures and schedule
Interestingly, the weather forecast predicts a significant drop in temperatures over the weekend: from over 30°C on Tuesday to cooler conditions around 16–17°C during the rally days. This will undoubtedly impact both the performance of the competitors and their equipment.
In addition to the international FIA event, there are also national competitions, such as the Jordan National Baja and the second edition of the Wadi Al-Qamar Navigational Rally, making the event a true celebration for rally enthusiasts.
FIA World Baja Cup standings after round 1:
- Yazeed Al-Rajhi (KSA) – 86 points
- Juan Cruz Yacopini (ARG) – 70 points
- Sergei Remennik (UAE) – 63 points
- Erik van Loon (NLD) – 58 points
- Miroslav Zapletal (CZE) – 51 points
The full entry list for the FIA Jordan Baja includes well-known names, strong teams, and a mix of seasoned rally veterans and exciting new talent. Spectacle is guaranteed in the Jordanian desert!
