Sixty-seven motorcycles and quads and riders of multiple nationalities will pass mandatory checks at the Lusail International Circuit before battling it out across Qatar’s sandy tracks.
Dubai’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi (KTM) tops the list and currently has 47 points in the FIM Bajas World Cup. He will be keen to maintain his leading position and retain his crown but the fight will be tight since his closest rival, the Portuguese rider David Megre (Kawasaki), also has 47 points and his fellow countryman Pedro Bianchi Prata (Honda) has 43. Both will be present in Qatar.
After the administration and technical checks, riders will head to a 9.9km Prologue, which will take place approximately 32km from Lusail and then move on to the Katara amphitheatre - the jewel of the Katara Cultural Village - for the start ceremony.
Friday (November 1st) will feature two special stages for a total of 245km, while Saturday’s action heads into the south of the country to the stunning Sealine region and its sand dunes by the sea for the remaining two special stages, totalling 249km.
Riders will need to complete a total of 504km of selective sections and 383km in liaison before returning to the Katara amphitheatre for the prize-giving ceremony.
Of the 67 registered riders, there are 62 motorcycles and five quads. Polish rider Joanna Modrzewska and the Indian Sarak Kashyap will compete for honours in the FIM Women’s category.
Another Pole, Filip Grot (GasGas) is leading the Junior standings with 61 points and will have to compete against Alex McInnes (Husqvarna) and Loris Terrell (Honda).
Twenty-one Veterans will be in the running but it is a safe bet that the experienced Pedro Bianchi Prata (Honda) will be able to pull off a masterstroke and ensure his leadership in the FIM Bajas World Cup standings in the Veteran category. He currently has 91 points.
In the quad section, Haitham Al-Tuwaijri, Abdulaziz Al-Shayban, Hani Al-Noumesi and Abdulaziz Al-Atawi will fly the Saudi flag against the Emirati Abdulaziz Ahli in an all-Yamaha line-up.
For further information on the Qatar International Baja: SPORTITY code FIMQIB24 and www.qmmf.com