Jordan Motorsport unveils new-look Jordan Baja

AMMAN — The 2022 Jordan Baja returns to the international spotlight as the second round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, round one of the FIA Middle East Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the first event in the FIM Bajas World Cup, according to according to the Jordan Baja Media Service.

Blessed with a slightly earlier date in the calendar — that may see competitors cross the stunning desert terrain of the world-renowned Wadi Rum in southern Jordan in cooler late winter temperatures — Jordan Motorsport has again laid on a challenging route for the Hashemite Kingdom’s flagship off-road event. 

Competitors in each of the three international championships will face 471 competitive kilometres over two legs in a route of 664.13km laid on by rally officials under FIA Clerk of the Course Khaled Zakaria, his deputy Omar Zarour and their experienced organising team. Zarour will also act as the Clerk of the Course of the FIM event.

The Jordan Baja will be based at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort and the start and finish will take place at the Old Port in Aqaba City on the Red Sea. 

Scrutineering, administrations checks and the pre-event press conference and ceremonial start will take place on Thursday, February 17, before the competitive action takes centre stage on February 18 and 19. 

Event regulations have now been submitted for FIA approval with teams set to face one selective section of 319km through Wadi Rum on leg one and a second stage of 152km on the final day. 

The second timed section runs through Wadi Araba and offers a totally new challenge to competitors with different terrain and a series of medium and high sand dunes. Picturesque Wadi Araba runs from the Gulf of Aqaba to the southern shore of the Dead Sea and is another jewel in Jordan’s scenic geographical crown.

Entries are now open and a closing date has been set for  February 5.

“The team is now putting the finishing touches to everything and we are looking forward to welcoming world-class motorsport back to Jordan,” said Zaid Balqez, chairman of the Organising Committee. 

“We are blessed with some of the most spectacular terrain on the planet and our competitors will be able to appreciate the beauty of the region that has been showcased frequently by numerous blockbuster Hollywood films, including “The Martian”, “Aladdin”, “Dune” and “Star Wars.”

Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Seaidan is the defending champion in the FIA category after pipping Dutchman Erik van Loon to victory last March. Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Al Balooshi was a comfortable winner of the motorcycle section and Saudi Arabia’s Hani Al Noumesi was the sole finisher in the international quad category in 2021.