An astonishing final-stage charge saw Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini and Spanish navigator Dani Oliveras clinch a dramatic victory at the Qatar International Baja, after overnight leader Denis Krotov retired with mechanical failure just kilometres from the finish. In the motorcycle category, Polish rider Konrad Dabrowski delivered a commanding performance to secure his third victory at the event in four years.
Yacopini Snatches Victory in Dramatic Finale
The X-raid Mini JCW Team duo of Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov started the final day with a lead of over two and a half minutes. However, they came under immense pressure from both Yacopini and Czech veteran Martin Prokop. The Toyota Hilux crew of Yacopini and Oliveras attacked from the outset, grabbing the virtual rally lead before the final dunes. Their victory was sealed when Krotov’s vehicle suffered a broken front differential, forcing him to stop and retire from the race.
“I’m super happy to finish this race,” said Yacopini. “We knew we had to push really hard. Since the first kilometre we did our best and then we had to manage the race in the dunes at the end. Now we have won the category in the World Cup. We have worked hard for this all year.”
Runner-up Martin Prokop acknowledged the thrilling conclusion. “We didn’t win but it was close. We slowed down towards the end behind Krotov and thought that was enough. But Yacopini was full gas and he passed us and he won. He did a very good job.”
Key Results Across Car Categories
Saudi driver Dania Akeel gave her FIA Middle East Baja Cup title ambitions a major boost by finishing third overall and first in the regional Baja classification. The result also confirmed her victory in the Ultimate title with one round remaining. “Really happy for the podium,” Akeel commented. “We have a good chance of a shot at the Middle East Cup now in Dubai.”
Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah finished a solid fourth overall to win the Challenger category, while Miroslav Zapletal’s fifth place ensures the final FIA World Baja Cup podium positions will be decided in Dubai. A stunning performance from young Qatari rookie Mohammed al-Marri and navigator Szymon Gospodarczyk saw them finish ninth overall and top the SSV class standings in their Can-Am Maverick R.
Dabrowski Dominates Motorcycle Standings
Konrad Dabrowski was in a class of his own all weekend on his KTM 450 Rally, leading from start to finish. He won the Prologue and both stages, managing his pace and navigation expertly to build a final winning margin of 31 minutes and 17 seconds.
“I have won all nine stages that I have ever done here. Qatar seems to suit me,” Dabrowski said. “This is a good confidence boost ahead of Dakar.”
British rider Alex McInnes shadowed the Pole for much of the final stage but lost significant time after a navigational error near the end, dropping to seventh place. Mohammed al-Balooshi of MX Ride Dubai took second place, strengthening his campaign for a fourth FIM Bajas World Cup title.
Al-Ahli Secures Quad Victory
In the quad category, Emirati rider Abdulaziz al-Ahli held off Saudi Arabia’s Hani al-Noumesi to take the win. Despite finishing second, al-Noumesi secured the overall FIM quad title for the second consecutive season.
The FIA and FIM series will both reach a conclusion at the final round in Dubai from 20-23 November, a city also preparing to feature eVTOL aircraft for the first time ever at its upcoming airshow.
