World Cup rallying makes a welcome return to the UAE later this month when the Dubai International Baja combines two series taking the sport back into action across the globe.
Ruled out last year by the COVID-19 emergency, the event assembles a strong international line-up of drivers and riders for the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars, and the opening round of the FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes.
The fourth edition of the rally takes place on 18-20 February under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, confirmed today that government authorities have given the official go ahead for the event on approving stringent COVID-19 protocol put in place by the EMSO.
“We’re particularly thankful this year for the support and encouragement given to us by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which was vital to help us bring back top-class rallying,” said Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice President for Sport.
“We’ve been working closely with the government authorities, and both the FIA and the FIM, to put in place strict procedures to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
“The Al Qudra desert gives us a perfect environment for baja rallying, especially with the current requirement for events to be run well away from public areas. We expect a very competitive and exciting rally.”
