Stakes are high as Dubai International Baja Rally fast approaches
- 30 Nov 2022
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The Dubai International Baja (1-3 December) is perfectly situated to make or break title hopes.
The rally marks the final stage in both the 2022 FIA World Cup for Cross County Bajas and FIM Bajas World Cup.
The arrival of these prestigious championships to Dubai Festival City brings great expectations for the future of the Dubai Baja, and the stakes will be high as the competitors get ready to battle it out in the final showdown of their campaigns.
With victory in Dubai highly coveted, there will be added value this year as double the points will be up for grabs for the FIM Bajas World Cup athletes.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the traditional desert race will take place in the modern Dubai Festival City on the UAE National Day — meaning the stage is set for a truly exciting event.
All of these ingredients form the recipe for a thrilling new chapter in the Dubai Baja for organisers the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) as they look to build on their partnership with Official Automotive Partner, Al-Futtaim Toyota.
The two organisations are no strangers, having come together to deliver the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) earlier this year.
As part of their strategic partnership Al-Futtaim Toyota also supplied a fleet of vehicles to the EMSO for use by officials, marshals, volunteers, and media during the 31st ADDC.
The fifth edition of the Dubai Baja will see the partnership reach new heights, as the pair look to roll out a new look Baja in Dubai Festival City.
EMSO President Khalid Bin Sulayem said: “We’re delighted to have formed such a strong relationship with Al-Futtaim Toyota who bring with them decades of experience and commitment to the rally world and to the EMSO’s strategy.
“We look forward to achieving a great deal together and boosting the future of both the Dubai International Baja and young motorsport talent across the UAE.”
“We are delighted to again support the Dubai International Baja, an event that truly showcases the vibrancy and diversity of the UAE’s landscape.
“As Official Automotive Partner we will bring our expertise in providing a quality event for all that attend, and we are excited to back plans by the EMSO to use the rally as an important part of grassroots development, Al-Futtaim Toyota said in a release.
Their partnership with the EMSO represents part of Toyota’s long-standing presence in the FIA World Cup for Cross County Bajas. As well as bringing their expertise in support of the EMSO’s efforts, Toyota will also have a strong presence on the course.
Overdrive Racing, competing in the Toyota Hilux Overdrive, currently sit second in the constructor standings. Beyond that a host of high calibre drivers behind the wheel of Toyota vehicles across six teams.
Podiums in Russia, Italy, Spain, and Poland went to those driving a Toyota, with standout performances coming from championship leader Yazeed Al-Rajhi in Italy and Nasser Al-Attiyah in Spain, with both drivers taking first place at each respective Baja.
As the cars, buggies, bikes, and quads sweep across the dramatic Dubai Festival City, Al-Futtaim Toyota will play a vital role alongside a multitude of high-profile sponsors for the Dubai International Baja. Among these sponsors are the Dubai Government, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, RTA, Dubai Customs, Aquafina, Dubai Media, Casio, and Holiday Inn.