Doha, October 31 (QNA) - Executive Director of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, Amr Al Hamad, said the strong performances by Qatari drivers and their presence on the podium across all categories of the 2026 Qatar International Baja reflected the event's exceptional sporting and organizational success.
He said this year's edition had been delivered to an exemplary standard in every respect.
This year's Qatar International Baja served as the penultimate round of the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, as well as the fifth round of the FIM Bajas World Cup for motorcycles, held under the umbrella of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM). The car competition was held under the supervision of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
In an exclusive interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hamad said the presence of Qatari champions on the podium across several categories demonstrated the strength of local participation and the significant progress of motorsports in Qatar.
He highlighted the performance of Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, a six-time Dakar Rally winner, who claimed his 13th Qatar International Baja title. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari finished third overall and won the Challenger category, while Abdullah Al Rabban secured the Stock category title despite finishing 18th in the overall standings.
Al Hamad also noted that this year's edition featured one of the longest stages in the history of the Qatar International Baja, presenting drivers and riders with a demanding physical and technical challenge that raised the level of competition and difficulty.
He praised the event's organizational achievements and sporting standards, saying the competition had showcased Qatar's logistical capabilities in hosting major international sporting events. The strong international turnout, he added, also provided an important opportunity for competitors to test themselves against world-class opposition and gain valuable experience.
Al Hamad concluded by thanking the organizing team at the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and the relevant authorities, emphasizing that their collective efforts and close coordination behind the scenes had been instrumental in delivering an event that enhanced Qatar's standing on the international motorsports calendar. (QNA)