Lusail: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has announced comprehensive details for the upcoming Qatar International Baja, scheduled to take place from October 28th to 31st. The event is a significant fixture on the calendar, serving as the penultimate round of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups, and the sixth round of the FIM Bajas World Cup.
According to Qatar News Agency, QMMF has published the Rally Guide 1, outlining this year's edition of the event, renowned for its challenges within the FIA and FIM circuits. The event, chaired by QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad, and General Secretary Abdulrazaq Al Kuwari, promises several updates and improvements compared to last year's edition.
Clerk of the Course Pedro Almeida, along with the QMMF team, has introduced a private test day on Wednesday, October 28th, for the first time. This allows competitors to make final adjustments while minimizing the use of unauthorized desert tracks. Additionally, the 2026 edition features an extended route with 18.4% more competitive kilometres, offering a total of 538.44km against the clock within a 940.28km route.
A Prologue of 9.51km will take place on Thursday, October 29th, to set the starting orders for the main competition. The first day of competition on Friday, October 30th, will cover 336.34 competitive kilometres through the deserts of northern and central Qatar, marking the longest selective section in the FIA World Baja Cup.
The second day's section on Saturday, October 31st, has been shortened by 13.7% to 202.10km, allowing for an earlier conclusion. This segment will navigate through southern Qatar's unique landscapes, including the dunes in the Sealine region.
All administration checks, scrutineering, ceremonial activities, and servicing will be centralized at the Lusail International Circuit to enhance convenience and reduce environmental impact. Entries and Supplementary Regulations are set to be published on September 2nd, with the first entry closure on September 30th and a final cut-off on October 14th.