The international off-road rallying season draws to a close at the Dubai International Baja this week (November 28- December 1), as the world's elite crews prepare to tackle the formidable dunes of Dubai and the rugged Hatta mountain terrain. This motorsports extravaganza coincides with the UAE's National Day celebrations.
Registration for the eighth edition of this prestigious Middle Eastern event has closed with a record number of top-ranked drivers and riders across all categories. Since its revival as a Baja rally in 2016, the festival has captivated global audiences, and this year's edition promises an exhilarating final round to determine the successor to Nasser Al Attiyah as the FIA Baja World Cup champion.
Following his second-place finish in Jordan two weeks ago, Portugal's Joao Ferreira arrives in Dubai with a nine-point lead over previous series leader Fernando Alvarez (Argentina) in the race for the 2024 FIA World Cup title. Titles are still at stake in various categories, and Emirati driver Khalid Aljalfa is now tied on points with Spain's Edoardo Pons in the Challenger class. Both are also tied for third overall, with Aljalfa's recent comeback victory in Jordan raising hopes for an overall win on home soil next Sunday.
Among the record number of competitors from international and national classes is an exciting duo in the National Event category. Austrian off-road motorsport icon Hannes Kinigadner, who has limited mobility since a 2003 racing accident, is partnering with former motocross rider and rally legend Sam Sunderland for their first joint venture at the Dubai International Baja. Kinigadner, the driving force behind the renowned Wings for Life Foundation in association with Red Bull, and Sunderland, who recently retired from two-wheeled competition, are celebrating two firsts: Sunderland's first event calling pacenotes in a car and Kinigadner's first Dubai International Baja.
The event has once again received crucial support from the Dubai Government and its entities, enabling the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) to deliver one of the most anticipated international motorsports events of the year in the UAE. Muhammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of EMSO and the UAE Sports Executive Committee, stated, "The ongoing support from the Government of Dubai and its entities allows us to present world-class rallying. We are proud to showcase the region's splendor, challenging topography, and technological prowess, presenting a remarkable sporting event that highlights the best of the UAE and Dubai to a global audience."
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