Doha, October 30 (QNA) - Portugal's Francisco Barreto topped the cars category at the opening prologue of the 2026 Qatar International Baja, as Poland's Konrad Dabrowski led the motorcycles and UAE rider Abdulaziz Ahli headed the quad category.

Organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, the event runs until October 31, with 37 cars, 45 motorcycles and eight quads taking part.

Barreto clocked seven minutes and 6.9 seconds over the 11.12km prologue, finishing 12.1 seconds ahead of South Africa's Saood Variawa.

Qatar's Nasser Al Attiyah, despite a puncture and a five-second penalty, finished third.

Qatar's Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, alongside Spanish co-driver Oriol Mena, finished fourth overall in 7:21.9, taking the lead in the Challenger category. His compatriot Nawaf Al Suwaidi, with Lithuanian co-driver Eesvidas Paliokinas, placed fifth overall and second in the Challenger category in 7:26.1. 

Dabrowski topped the motorcycle standings in 7:15.1, just 1.3 seconds ahead of Britain's Alex McInnes. Ahli led the quad category in 8:28.1.

Competitors face a demanding 336.45km stage on Friday, with routes crossing Qatar's northern, western and central deserts.

The rally forms part of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups and the FIM Bajas World Cup for motorcycles. (QNA)