From July 25 to 27, the Spanish city of Teruel once again plays host to the Baja España Aragón. Celebrating its 41st edition in 2025, the rally stands as a key event in both the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the European Baja Cup.
With more than 160 teams competing across cars, bikes, quads, and trucks, this year’s edition promises to deliver a true motorsport spectacle. Rally legends, rising stars, and a strong Dutch presence are all set to battle it out in the demanding Spanish terrain.
Top-class line-up in the FIA World Cup field
The main attraction in the car category is the T1+ prototype class. Multiple-time champion Nasser Al-Attiyah will make his Aragón debut in the brand-new Dacia Sandrider, navigated by Fabian Lurquin. His rivals include former winner Nani Roma, who is taking on Baja Aragón for the first time in a Ford Raptor T1+ alongside Alex Haro. Other prominent names on the entry list include Juan Cruz Yacopini (Toyota), Martin Prokop (Ford), Miroslav Zapletal (Ford), and Joao Ferreira (Toyota).
Representing the Netherlands, Ronald Schoolderman and co-driver Mark Salomons will compete in a Mitsubishi ASX in the T1.1 category, facing off against a mix of privateer and semi-factory teams.
Big names and Dutch power in the Truck category
The truck division remains a cornerstone of the Baja Aragón. Ten teams are set to start this year, including three from the Netherlands. Richard de Groot, Jan Hulsebosch, and Martijn van Rooij form a strong trio in their Iveco Powerstar. Gerrit Zuurmond, Klaas Kwakkel, and Dick Zuurmond bring a MAN TGA to the Spanish gravel, while Tjeerd van Ballegooij partners with Simon Koetsier and Anthony Dekker in the second Rainbow truck.
The top favorite is Czech driver Martin Macík, who is aiming for his sixth Baja Aragón victory. The main challenge is expected from Spanish drivers, including Javier Mariezcurrena in the Tibau Team Iveco, and a female-led team spearheaded by Maria Helena Tarruell Tibau.
Dutch contenders in the Challengers (T3) class
The Challenger category, also known as T3, features high-performance lightweight rally vehicles. One of the most recognized names is Cristina Gutiérrez, racing for the Spanish Nasser Racing Team. Rally star Laia Sanz is also back in action with navigator Luka Larrosa.
From the Netherlands, three teams are taking part. Pim Klaassen and Wade Harris represent Daklapack Rallysport, as do Henk Klaassen and Mark Laan. Paul Spierings and Dick van Culenborg are also in the mix with a Taurus T3 Max. With such strong Dutch representation, expectations are high in this highly technical class.
SSV – Production-based rally vehicles with Spirit
The SSV class, comprising modified side-by-side vehicles, remains a popular entry-level category in the rally raid scene. The Can-Am Maverick R continues to dominate, and Dutch talent is once again well represented. Mitchel van den Brink will compete with Bart van Heun in a BRP vehicle run by South Racing. International heavyweights such as Fernando Álvarez and multiple Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer add extra excitement and competitiveness to this class.
“We found the right setup on Thursday,” said Mitchel from Teruel. The 23-year-old driver from Harskamp has clear ambitions: “After two completed Bajas, we’re second in the standings. Now we’ll try to improve our position step by step.”
Big names on two wheels
In the FIM motorcycle category, local favorite Lorenzo Santolino leads the entry list. The Sherco rider is eager to finally win his home rally. His teammates Bradley Cox and Harith Noah join him, while Kove fields several riders, including Neels Theric and Javi Vega. Royal Enfield will make its Baja debut with CS Santosh riding.
Top French riders and Spanish talent in the quad class
The quad division, as always, features a strong field with top French competitors such as Jérôme Connart, Kevin Giroud, and Antoine Sanchez. Spain is represented by veteran Toni Vingut, who will face challengers like Alejandro García Domper and Jorge Sampaio.
Heavyweight bikes take on the challenge
The Trail +600cc and Maxitrail +1000cc categories cater to heavier, adventure-style motorcycles and attract riders looking for a technical challenge over outright speed. Notable participants include Joan Pedrero riding a Harley-Davidson and Nicola Dutto, who races a specially adapted bike despite being paralyzed. In this class, the focus lies not just on competition, but also on perseverance and advanced riding technique.
With an impressive international field and strong Dutch participation, the 2025 Baja España Aragón is once again set to be a highlight of the rally raid season. The unique mix of gravel tracks, military terrain, elite teams, and surprise contenders makes this edition a must-watch for fans and competitors alike.
