Aqaba: Jordan Motorsport has announced plans to host the Jordan Baja from February 12 to 14, marking the second round of the FIA Cross-Country Baja Middle East and Asia Cup, as well as the third round of the FIM Baja World Cup for motorcycles and quads. The event will also feature the local Jordan Baja and the Wadi Al Qamar Navigation Rally.
According to Jordan News Agency, the rally will take place in Aqaba and is one of the Kingdom's major sporting events leading up to Ramadan. It follows the Saudi Baja, scheduled from January 29 to 31, which opens the championships. For the second time in three years, the Jordan Baja will be centered at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort. The three-day rally will navigate the diverse landscape of southern Jordan, especially the Wadi Rum desert, covering a total of 821.69 kilometers, with 472.19 kilometers set as timed competitive stages, pending FIA approval.
The rally commences on February 12 with a 15.50-kilometer Super Special Stage (ASEZA), situated 58 kilometers from Aqaba. On February 13, participants will face the first desert stage, a 245.02-kilometer route through Wadi Rum's Humayma area. The final stage, spanning 211.67 kilometers, is scheduled for February 14, culminating in an awards ceremony and press conference at Ayla Resort.
Khaled Zakaria is appointed as the event director for cross-country vehicles under the FIA Baja category, while George Khoury will oversee the motorcycle and quad competitions under the FIM Baja category. Zaid Balqaz, head of the organizing committee, noted that moving the rally to February will offer milder weather, enhancing competitors' performance and the event's competitive edge.
Balqaz highlighted the Jordan Baja's reputation for challenging navigation and varied terrain, from open desert tracks to rocky paths, amidst the unique landscapes of southern Jordan. Since its inception in 2018 as an FIA candidate event, the Jordan Baja has become a staple on the FIA calendar. The car category has seen five different champions, including Jakub Przygonski, Yasser Saedan, Saleh Saif, Khalid Jafleh, and the reigning champion, Juan Cruz Yacopini.
In the motorcycle category, Mohammed Balooshi from the UAE holds five titles since 2019. The quad category has seen champions like Faisal Suwaih, Abdulmajeed Khulaifi, Abdulaziz Shiban, and Hani Noumsi from Saudi Arabia. In the previous edition, Abdulaziz Kuwari, Hamzah Bakhashab, and Abdulla Rabban claimed titles in the Challenger, SSV, and Stock categories, respectively.
Jordan Motorsport has opened registration for the event, closing on January 28. Additional information is accessible via the Sportity application using the codes 26JBFIA and 26JBFIM.