Toyota Dominates Jordan Baja: Variawa Secures Victory, Akeel Shines
Saood Variawa and François Cazalet of Toyota Gazoo Racing clinched a hard-fought victory at the Jordan Baja on Saturday, February 14, 2026, overcoming a fourth-place start to finish first. The duo navigated the challenging Wadi Rum desert terrain, setting the quickest time on the final 195.38km stage by a significant 4 minutes and 26.7 seconds, ultimately winning by 3 minutes and 51.8 seconds. This win marks Variawa as the seventh different victor since the event’s inception in 2018 and positions him strongly in the 2026 FIA World Baja Cup standings.
Akeel’s Strong Performance and Rising Star Status
Dania Akeel and Sébastien Delaunay secured a commendable second-place finish in their Toyota Hilux Evo, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the rally. Akeel expressed satisfaction with her team’s progress, highlighting the challenging and diverse terrain. She noted a more conservative approach on the second day, building on lessons learned from previous competitions.
Baud Family and Al-Attiyah Face Challenges
The father-daughter team of Lionel and Lucie Baud, despite winning the first stage in their diesel-engined X-Raid Mini JCW Rally Plus, faced setbacks on the final day, including a puncture. They ultimately finished third overall. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah encountered fuel pump issues, impacting his performance and resulting in a fourth-place finish.
Category Winners and Emerging Talent
Yasir Seaidan and Xavier Flick achieved victory in the Challenger category, while Hedda Hosås and Pol Tibau celebrated their first SSV category win. Majed Al-Thunayyan and Omar Al-Lahim took the top spot in the Stock category. These results showcase the breadth of competition within the Jordan Baja and highlight emerging talents in off-road racing.
Navigational Difficulties and Competitive Spirit
Several competitors faced navigational challenges, particularly on the longer stages. Seaidan described a fierce battle with Hamed Al-Wahaibi, marked by overtaking maneuvers and unexpected punctures. The rally underscored the importance of both driving skill and precise navigation in the demanding desert environment.
The Growing Appeal of Baja Racing
The Jordan Baja, as part of the FIA World Baja Cup and FIA Middle-East Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, is attracting a diverse field of competitors. The event’s popularity reflects a growing interest in off-road racing, driven by its challenging terrain and the opportunity for drivers to test their skills in demanding conditions.
The Rise of Female Drivers in Motorsport
Dania Akeel’s consistent success is part of a broader trend of increasing female participation in motorsport. Her achievements, including winning the 2025 FIA Middle East Baja Cup, serve as an inspiration and pave the way for future generations of female drivers.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Baja Season
The FIA World Baja Cup continues with Baja Greece on June 4th-7th. Competitors will be looking to build on their performances in Jordan and gain valuable points in the championship standings. The season promises further exciting competition and showcases the endurance and skill required to succeed in Baja racing.
FAQ
Q: Who won the 2026 Jordan Baja?
A: Saood Variawa and François Cazalet won the 2026 Jordan Baja.
Q: Who finished second in the 2026 Jordan Baja?
A: Dania Akeel and Sébastien Delaunay finished second.
Q: What categories were contested at the Jordan Baja?
A: The event featured Ultimate, Challenger, Stock, and SSV categories.
Q: Where is the next round of the FIA World Baja Cup?
A: The next round is Baja Greece, taking place from June 4th-7th.
Did you know? Saood Variawa is the seventh different winner of the car event since 2018.
Pro Tip: Precise navigation is crucial in Baja racing, as demonstrated by the challenges faced by several competitors in the Jordan Baja.
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