From November 6 to 8, the desert landscape around Doha sets the stage for the 2025 Qatar International Baja. This year’s edition serves as the penultimate round of both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIM Bajas World Cup, while also counting towards the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. An international field is gearing up for three days of action through dunes and rocky terrain, with high-profile names on the entry list and a solid Dutch presence.
Al-Attiyah, Ekström, and Prokop headline the car category
In the car category, all eyes will be on local hero and five-time Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah. He returns to action in a Taurus T3 MAX within the Challenger class (T3.1), alongside trusted co-driver Fabian Lurquin. While this marks a departure from his usual T1+ outings, Al-Attiyah is sure to excite the home crowd during the ceremonial moments along Doha’s iconic Corniche.
Other standout entries include Martin Prokop (Ford Raptor), Denis Krotov (X-Raid Mini JCW), and Mattias Ekström (Can-Am Maverick R), each expected to deliver fireworks in their respective classes. Krotov, last year’s winner from Chile, returns with co-driver Konstantin Zhiltsov and will once again be a serious contender in the T1+ category.
Packed field in SSV and Challenger classes
The growing popularity of the SSV and Challenger categories (T3 and T4) is reflected in a formidable entry list in Qatar. Multiple Taurus T3 MAX vehicles will line up under the banners of Nasser Racing Team and QMMF Team, with over twenty cars registered across the two classes.
Among the experienced names are Sergei Remennik, Francisco Barreto, and Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari. Dutch driver Erik van Loon joins the fray in a Can-Am Maverick R, with Wouter Rosegaar in the navigator seat. Also behind the wheel of a Can-Am Maverick R is Mitchel van den Brink, who partners again with Bart van Heun as they aim to gather more FIA World Baja Cup points. After securing third place in Portalegre, they remain firmly in the hunt for the SSV1 class title.
“South Racing has put a lot of effort into improving the brakes; they didn’t feel quite right on fast gravel stages before, but that should now be resolved,” Erik van Loon explains. Also representing South Racing are Anja van Loon and Hein Verschuuren in an identical Can-Am. “I’m really looking forward to it,” says Anja. “I’ll be racing with Hein in Qatar, which is new, but he brings a lot of experience, so I hope to learn a lot. In Dubai, Floor will be back to navigate. For me, the main goal is to finish and keep it clean.” With these entries, the Dutch tally in the car category reaches four participants across three SSVs and two teams.
Motorbikes: Al-Balooshi vs. Dabrowski for the title
The motorcycle category promises a head-to-head battle between former winner Mohammed Al-Balooshi (MX Ride Dubai) and Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski (Duust Rally Team). Both riders have secured multiple victories this Baja season and are among the front-runners for the win in Qatar.
With over fifty riders from countries such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, India, and the UAE, the field is highly international. New faces and first-time rally riders aboard bikes from Kove, Husqvarna, and KTM add diversity, including names like Joanna Modrzewska (POL), Sarah Khuraibet (KWT), and Luc Dumore (NED).
Representing the Netherlands in the bike category is Luc Dumore, riding a Husqvarna FE450 in the general class (Cat 1). While not among the title favorites, his participation adds valuable depth to the Dutch rally portfolio.
Route and ceremony: Doha in the Spotlight
The rally kicks off with a short prologue on Thursday, November 6, followed by two full stages on Friday and Saturday. A total of 453 timed kilometers will be contested across two legs. The Ceremonial Start and Finish take place at the landmark “Way to the World Cup” location on Doha’s Corniche, a first in the history of the Qatar Baja.
The bivouac, service park, and supporting facilities are located at the Lusail International Circuit. Competitors will race through desert areas around Al Wukair, Al Wajbah, and Umm Al Shubrum, regions known for their demanding mix of sand dunes, gravel sections, and tricky navigation.
Dutch hopes centered on SSV Class
With three Dutch vehicles in the SSV class and one motorbike entry, the Netherlands may have a modest lineup, but there is clear potential. Both Van den Brink and Van Loon aim to challenge for podium positions as the World Baja Cup nears its finale. For Luc Dumore, the Qatar Baja is a valuable learning experience on the road to more extensive rally adventures in 2026.
