The Desert’s Final Showdown: Dubai International Baja Crowns Champions in a Thrilling Season Finale
The sands of Dubai are set to witness a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups from November 20th to 23rd. But here's where it gets controversial—with titles still up for grabs, will the favorites hold their nerve, or will underdogs steal the spotlight? This isn’t just a race; it’s a battle of strategy, skill, and sheer determination.
Based at the vibrant Dubai Festival City, the ninth edition of the Dubai International Baja has attracted a formidable lineup of 46 cars across four categories: Ultimate, Challenger, SSV, and the increasingly popular Stock class. Among them, 15 crews are vying for FIA World Baja Cup points, while nine are in the running for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, this event promises to be a spectacle of speed and endurance.
Yacopini and Oliveras: On the Brink of Glory, But Can They Seal the Deal?
Juan Cruz Yacopini and Dani Oliveras have dominated the season, securing four victories out of five starts in Jordan, Italy, Spain, and Qatar. With 403 points, they’re on the cusp of the FIA World Baja Cup title. But here’s the twist—they’re not mathematically secure yet. Despite clinching the Ultimate category honors, the SVR Toyota Hilux duo must fend off fierce competition in Dubai. And this is the part most people miss—their rivals are closer than they seem.
Mitchel van den Brink and Bart van Heun of the South Racing Can-Am Team, fresh from their SSV title win in Qatar, trail by just 62 points. Could they pull off a stunning upset? Meanwhile, Czech veteran Miroslav Zapletal and Slovakian navigator Marek Sykora are eyeing a podium finish, but Sergei Remennik and Aleksei Ignatov’s Taurus crew could spoil their plans. It’s a high-stakes game where every second counts.
SSV Battle Royale: Who Will Claim the Remaining Podium Spots?
Behind van den Brink, the SSV category is a free-for-all. Briton Paul Severn, Omani Hamed Al-Wahaibi, Saudi Maha Al-Hameli, and Italian Eugenio Amos are locked in a fierce battle for the final podium places. Quaddy Racing’s Amerigo Ventura and Erika Mingozzi, though non-starters, hold a 31-point lead—but can they maintain it? With so much on the line, expect fireworks in the desert.
Stock Category: A Duel in the Dunes
In the Stock class, Majed Al-Thunayyan and Fahad Al-Sufyani hold a slender 30-point lead over Fernando Barreiros and José Sa Pirés. Their duel will decide the championship in the UAE, adding another layer of drama to the event.
Star-Studded Lineup: Legends and Newcomers Clash
The event also marks the return of Fernando Alvarez, back in action after battling back issues. Saudi driver Abdullah Al-Haydan and Emirati Mansour Al-Helai are also in the mix, adding local flavor to the global competition. Non-registered drivers like Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi and the Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC duo of Seth Quintero and Toby Price are set to make waves, using the event as a pre-Dakar test.
FIA Middle East Baja Cup: A Four-Way Title Race
In the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, four drivers still have a shot at the title. Dania Akeel, the Ultimate category champion, leads with a nine-point cushion over Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah. But Hamza Bakhashab and Abdullah Al-Rabban are still in contention, though their chances are slim. An accident in Qatar derailed Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari’s campaign, but he could play spoiler in Dubai. It’s anyone’s game.
Defender Dakar D7x-R: A Game-Changer in the Making?
Adding to the excitement is the international FIA debut of the new Defender Dakar D7x-R, built to challenge Toyota’s dominance in cross-country motorsport. Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and Lithuanian talent Rokas Baciuška will pilot the Defenders, teaming up with navigators Michael Metge and Oriol Vidal. Will this be the start of a new era?
The Race Unfolds: A Weekend of High-Octane Action
The action kicks off with a 5.64km Prologue in the Hatta region on November 21st, determining the starting order for the desert stages. The first stage, a 195.24km trek through the Al-Qudra desert, takes place on November 22nd, followed by a 195.63km stage on November 23rd. The podium ceremony and prize-giving will cap off an unforgettable weekend.
Thought-Provoking Questions for the Audience
- Can Yacopini and Oliveras hold off van den Brink’s late charge?
- Will the Defender Dakar D7x-R live up to the hype in its debut?
- Who will emerge as the surprise contender in the SSV and Stock categories?
Share your predictions and join the debate—this is one race you won’t want to miss!
