After a diverse 2025 in which Erik van Loon made a strong start in the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and enjoyed several rallies in the WRC, and Anja van Loon continued to grow in bajas and rallies, the couple faces a varied 2026. The rally year kicks off with the Hail Baja Rally in Saudi Arabia at the end of January.
For Erik and his navigator Wouter Rosegaar, the objective is clear: they are going for the overall victory in the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas. The duo wants to complete a full season in the Can-Am Maverick R from South Racing. On the schedule are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Italy, Greece, Dubai and Qatar. With the Subaru S14 WRC, Erik will compete in the ELE Rally, GTC Rally and the Short Rally of Kasterlee.
“We wanted to do that last year as well,” Erik explains. “But due to brake problems, that didn’t work out. So this year we’re going all in. The car is fantastic and with Wouter next to me, we’ve got a strong team in the car. Besides the FIA World Cup, we’ll also drive several rallies with the Subaru Impreza S14 WRC and I plan to get more miles in the Audi I drove in last year’s Dakar.”
For Anja van Loon, the focus is on continuing to learn and performing consistently in the events she enjoys. She’s driving this season in the Renault Clio Rally3, with Christiaan van der Rijsen as navigator. In addition to Dutch rallies such as the ELE Rally, GTC Rally, Vechtdal Rally and Hellendoorn Rally, an international baja program is also on her agenda: Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar.
“I’m looking forward to taking more steps this season,” Anja says. “The combination of rally and baja gives me the chance to grow in different disciplines. My goal is mainly to perform consistently and enjoy every event.”
The first event for Erik and Anja is the Hail Baja Rally from January 29th to 31st. On Thursday the 29th, the 6-kilometer prologue is scheduled. On Friday, the first stage of 245 kilometers is on the program, and Saturday concludes the rally with another 151 kilometers.
