The cross-country racing world descends on Jordan this weekend for the Jordan Baja, the second round of both the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups, as well as the FIM Bajas World and Asia Cups. Organized by Jordan Motorsport, the event takes place from February 12 to 14 in the spectacular Wadi Rum region.
Al-Attiyah makes Jordan Baja debut
Nasser Al-Attiyah, winner of the opening round in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago, is making his debut in the Jordan Baja. The Qatari, who won his sixth Dakar Rally earlier this year, has switched to the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, competing in his two-wheel-drive Optimus Buggy from MD Sport.
“I’m happy to be here in Jordan,” said Al-Attiyah. “I like the terrain; it reminds me a lot of Dakar stages. I was here last year supporting my team and decided to come this year after the win in Hail. It will be fun to continue competing in the Middle East Baja Cup.”
For this event, Fabian Lurquin returns as Al-Attiyah’s navigator—Max Delfino partnered with him in Hail. Al-Attiyah also confirmed today that he will return to the W2RC next month with the Dacia Sandriders team for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal.
X-raid returns with Baud duo
The German X-raid team enters a single diesel-powered Mini JCW Rally Plus for the French father-daughter duo Lionel and Lucie Baud. The team has registered for the FIA World Baja Cup after missing the opening round in Saudi Arabia.
X-raid has a strong history in Jordan, with two victories since the Jordan Baja joined the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas in 2019. Jakub Przygonski won in 2019, and Yasir Seaidan triumphed in 2021. Notably, no driver has ever won twice in Jordan—despite Mohammed Al-Balooshi winning all five of his motorcycle starts.
Defending champions at the start
Two defending champions return to reclaim their categories. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, fresh from his victory in the Qatar International Rally last weekend, defends his Challenger title. The Qatari finished second overall last year and won his category in a Taurus T3 Max. He returns in the latest version with French navigator Stéphane Duplé.
Abdullah Al-Rabban tops the entries in the Stock category. The Qatari won in Jordan last year and also secured the FIA Middle East Baja Cup title in the Stock class with a Nissan Patrol. This time, he is registered for the FIA World Baja Cup and faces competition from Majed Al-Thunayyan, who won the Stock section in Jordan in 2024.
Van Loon wants the win
Erik van Loon is one of the top favorites in the SSV class after his podium finish in Saudi Arabia. The Dutchman starts alongside Wouter Rosegaar in his BRP Can-Am Maverick R for South Racing Can-Am and faces direct competition from teammate Fernando Alvarez, winner of the opening round.
Mansour Al Helei, who finished second in Hail, represents R-X Sport in a Can-Am Maverick R. The SSV class features fifteen participants and promises another fierce battle.
McInnes defends his lead
In the motorcycle category, Alex McInnes is the clear favorite. The British Junior rider dominated in Hail, winning the prologue and both stages with a final lead of over 34 minutes. Mohammed Al-Balooshi, the reigning champion and five-time Jordan Baja winner, will attempt to win his home race again.
The motorcycle field includes 21 participants, including seven veterans and two women: Polish rider Joanna Modrzewska and Kuwaiti Junior Eyad Salmirza. In the quad category, Hani Al-Noumesi defends his title against three challengers.
Challenging course
The new service park is located in a picturesque setting near the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, surrounded by majestic mountains to the north and the azure waters of the Red Sea to the south.
“The Jordan Baja is a truly tough event,” said Al-Attiyah. “The terrain is similar to Al-Ula and Neom in Saudi Arabia. It’s a beautiful landscape.”
Administrative checks and technical inspections take place on Wednesday at the rally headquarters and Ayla service park.
