Monday 03 / November / 2025
Muscat: Omani champion Hamed Al Wahaibi is preparing to compete in the Qatar International Baja and the Dubai International Baja, the final two rounds of the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup. He will race in the "SSV" category for the "RX Sport" team, managed by Emirati champion Rashid Al Ketbi, driving a BRB Can-Am Maverick R vehicle.
This current season marks Hamed Al Wahaibi's debut participation in cross-country Baja rallies. Despite his extensive experience and exceptional past successes in the World Rally Championship (WRC), Al Wahaibi stressed that gaining experience and acquiring new knowledge was his primary focus for the 2025 season, given the fundamental differences inherent in cross-country Baja rallying.
Although Hamed Al Wahaibi faced issues this season, he attributes these problems to a lack of experience during what he considers a crucial learning period. He is confident that the coming seasons will be better as he continues to adapt and becomes more comfortable driving in Baja rallies and navigating desert dunes. This environment requires a complete modification of the driving style compared to what the veteran has been accustomed to throughout his professional career.
Al Wahaibi kicked off his Baja participation with the Ha'il Rally, which served as a test. Competing in the "Masters" category there ignited his determination for success and fueled his passion to participate in numerous rounds throughout the season, including Jordan, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Hungary. His strong pace was evident when he was able to secure first place in his category at Baja Italia.
Despite this being his first season in the Cross-Country FIA World Baja Cup, he is currently in contention for second place overall in the championship. He maintains high ambitions for strong results and a powerful rhythm in the final two rounds in Qatar and Dubai.
Al Wahaibi still retains a mathematically slim chance of winning the overall championship title. This is complicated by the fact that his main rival will also be participating in the final two rounds, and Al Wahaibi was unable to register points during his initial participation in the Ha'il Baja, in addition to missing the Portugal round.
