The Peninsula
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has confirmed that the event will host the opening round of the FIM Cross-Country Bajas World Cup for the first time.
The Manateq Baja Qatar will take place over three competitive stages (two on leg one and one on leg two) and offer a total length of around 600 competitive kilometres in a route of 920km.
Riders will pass administration and technical checks before a briefing on February 25th and then tackle their opening leg on February 26, which will be similar to the fourth day of the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally. Action concludes with FIM registered riders tackling the fifth stage of the MQCCR on February 27. Souq Waqif will host the ceremonial start and the prize-giving ceremony.
GPS navigation will be provided by rally organisers and there will be no road books issued. Refuelling points will be positioned every 125km. Further details will be available soon in the supplementary regulations.
The opening round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies will run over five days and around 1,430 competitive kilometres in a route of 2,200km across the length and breadth of the State of Qatar. Administration checks, scrutineering and the ceremonial start will take place on February 22.
The QMMF has also finalised shipping details for vehicles and equipment travelling from Europe. Organisers will cover return shipping costs for a 20-foot container from Genoa to Qatar using the CMA direct service to Hamad.
The ship will depart from Genoa on January 22 and arrive in Qatar on February 12. Teams need to ensure their equipment arrives at Impeco/BFG, c/o Warehouse Distripark/Gruppo Spinelli, GENOVA SECH on January 16-17 from 08.00 to 17.00.
Free shipping will also be available for all Dakar competitors keen to tackle the opening round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies.
Teams will also be eligible for 600 litres of petrol (motorcycle riders will receive 250 litres of fuel), in addition to free WiFi, preparation and warehousing facilities, electricity within the service park at the Losail Sports Arena, a car washing area, free drinking water, a sleeping area and a range of entertainment activities.
The substantial prize fund for the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally has also been finalised. This will be awarded in groups that have a minimum of five entrants. The winner of the prestigious T1 category, for example, will receive two trophies and $10,000 with $7000 for second place, and $6,000 for third overall.
Manateq – Economic Zones Company is the title sponsor for the third successive season. Established in 2011, the company is positioned as a vital component in achieving the economic development goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, through providing premium infrastructure within strategic economic zones to promote the logistics and industrial sectors in Qatar.