Al Attiyah claims opening stage honours at Dubai International Baja

Qatar's elite rallying driver surges ahead in Al Qudra Desert as the competition intensifies across all categories

The Al Qudra Desert came alive on Saturday as the Dubai International Baja opened its timed stages, with Nasser Al Attiyah establishing an commanding advantage that would set the tone for the weekend’s competition. The Qatari driver and his French co-driver Max Delfino, piloting an MD Rallye Optimus, crossed the finish line of the opening 177.24 kilometre course with a decisive margin of 5 minutes and 16.7 seconds over their nearest challenger, signalling intent in a rally that draws competitors from across the globe.

Behind Al Attiyah’s leading performance, the competition remained tightly contested. Dutch driver Mitchel van den Brink and co-driver Bart van Heun pressed hard in their Can-Am Maverick R, while the UAE’s Mansour Al Helei and co-driver Khalid Al Kendi held third position, trailing by 8 minutes and 39.8 seconds. For Al Helei and Al Kendi, the opening stage represented a crucial moment in their pursuit of the SSV World Baja Cup title, a championship that rewards consistency and precision through the desert terrain.

The motorcyclist contingent witnessed similarly compelling performances. Britain’s Alex McInnes demonstrated commanding control on his KTM 450 RFR, completing the 193.90 kilometre motorcycle course in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 54.5 seconds, cementing his lead in a category where technical skill and endurance merge seamlessly. The quad competition saw the UAE’s Khalifa Al Bastaki take the honours, finishing ahead of fellow Emirati competitor Ali Al Marzooqi by a margin of 25 minutes and 26.5 seconds.

The opening stage saw notable withdrawals, with two-time champion Mohammed Al Balooshi and four-time quad winner Abdulaziz Ahli forced to retire owing to mechanical difficulties, a reminder that desert rallying demands not only driver excellence but also impeccable machine preparation. The competition will reach its conclusion on Sunday with a final desert stage covering 191.58 kilometres of timed competition, where positions may yet shift and reputations be forged in the sands.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Dubai International Baja represents a significant moment for regional motorsport, showcasing the technical capability and organisational excellence that the Emirates brings to international sporting competitions. The event draws elite competitors from around the world to compete in one of the Middle East’s most demanding rally environments, elevating the profile of desert motorsport across the Gulf region.

For local competitors, the Dubai International Baja serves as both a proving ground and a platform for global recognition. The strong showing by UAE drivers, particularly in the SSV and quad categories, demonstrates the depth of rallying talent within the Emirates and their competitive standing against international rivals. As the rally concludes on Sunday, the final stage will determine champions across multiple categories, cementing this event’s significance within the international motorsport calendar.

Source: WAM