Al Wahaibi shines at 2026 Hail International Baja

Sports Reporter

Omani champion Hamed al Wahaibi made a strong start to his 2026 season after delivering an outstanding performance at the Hail International Baja, the opening round of the FIA Baja World Cup, by securing first place in the Challenger and Masters categories among drivers registered and classified in the World Cup.

After competing last season in the Side-by-Side category, Al Wahaibi moved to the Challenger category and drove a Can-Am Maverick R Challenger for the first time at the Hail round. The participation comes as part of his preparations for the Dakar Rally, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next year.

The rally witnessed excellent harmony between Al Wahaibi and his Polish co-driver Maciej Giemza, with the duo delivering a clean and consistent performance without any navigational errors throughout the event.

Following the prologue stage, competitors headed on Friday, January 30, to the Baqaa stage, the first special stage of the rally, covering a total distance of 414 kilometres, including 242 kilometres timed. Al Wahaibi ended the day eighth overall and second in the Challenger category, while leading the standings among drivers registered and classified in the 2026 Baja World Cup.

Al Wahaibi and Giemza maintained a strong and steady pace during the final stage on Saturday, finishing in impressive fashion and securing an excellent overall result at the rally, where the Omani driver had previously competed last year in the Masters category.