The world's top drivers and riders are gearing up for a final push towards glory in 2024, with their sights set on the challenging dunes of Dubai and the rugged beauty of Hatta.
Multiple event winners Nasser Al Attiyah and local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi lead the car and bike entries as the world's top off-road crews prepare to take on the Dubai International Baja next week (November 28-December 1). Titles are still up for grabs in numerous categories as the FIA and FIM World Cup season reaches its conclusion.
Since its reinvention as a Baja rally in 2016, the Dubai International Baja has become a 'must-do' event for off-road competitors and fans. This year's adventure includes the rocky surroundings of Hatta followed by the technical dunes of Dubai, with the event hub once again located at Dubai Festival City.
The Dubai event will decide the championships for both the FIM motorcycle Bajas World Cup and most of the car classes of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas. The organizers will rely on the reliability and off-road capability of Toyota vehicles, including Land Cruisers, to handle key tasks in challenging desert terrain.
With registration closed, a stellar lineup of talent has been confirmed, with Toyota supplying the largest number of cars in the Ultimate category. Rising US star Seth Quintero, who made his FIA Baja series debut at the Dubai International Baja last year, returns with high hopes in his Toyota Hilux.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing challenge also includes Brazil's Lucas Moraes, who stunned the regulars by winning stage one on his cross-country competition debut at Dubai in 2022. He went on to finish fifth and second in class in one of the world's most physically demanding Bajas.
Facing the Hilux-equipped stars is a significant array of challengers, including last year's Dubai winner and the most successful competitor in the event's history, Qatar's Nasser Al Attiyah. This time, the eight-time world champion is not competing in the 'big car' class but is driving a Taurus T3 Challenger run by his own team.
Among the motorcycles, local superstar Mohammed Al Balooshi aims to defend his Dubai International Baja title and secure a third success on the event. Al Balooshi prepared for his home event with victory in the Jordan Baja last Sunday and is clearly in top form.
Al-Futtaim Motors is once again deeply involved in the final round of the FIA and FIM International Baja World Cups through the event headquarters and service park at Dubai Festival City and the vital logistical support of Al-Futtaim Motors-Toyota.
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