The Omani international rally driver Hamad al Wahaibi is set to embark on an intensive competitive programme during the 2026 season, which represents a key phase in his preparations for the Dakar Rally 2027, scheduled to be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al Wahaibi will kick off his 2026 campaign by competing in the Hail International Baja, to be held in Saudi Arabia from January 28 to 31, which serves as the opening round of the FIA Baja World Cup.
Last season marked Al Wahaibi’s first experience in Baja rallies, where he competed in the Side by Side (T4) category. Despite being new to this discipline, he delivered impressive performances and concluded the 2025 Baja World Cup season in third place in his class.
For the 2026 season, Al Wahaibi will continue racing with RX Sport Team, under the supervision and management of Emirati racer Rashid al Ketbi. However, he has decided to step up to a higher level by moving to the Challenger category (T3), driving the new Can-Am Maverick R Challenger. He will be among the first drivers to compete with this vehicle in the Challenger class.
The Omani racer aims to participate in six rounds of the 2026 Baja World Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Greece, Italy, Spain and Dubai. In addition, he will take part in two rounds of the World Rally-Raid Championship in Morocco and Abu Dhabi, as these longer and more demanding rallies will provide valuable experience in preparation for the Dakar Rally.
With Saudi Arabia hosting the Dakar Rally 2027, and as part of his plan to adapt to the Kingdom’s terrain and rally conditions, Al Wahaibi will also compete in four additional rounds of the Saudi Baja Championship.
Speaking about his upcoming season, Al Wahaibi stated that "The 2026 season represents a crucial and decisive stage in my sporting career, as part of an integrated preparation plan aimed at achieving the highest possible level of readiness for the Dakar Rally 2027".
"Hail International Baja is not merely an opening race, but a true test for the car, the team and his personal ability to handle long stages and harsh conditions".
Al Wahaibi added that "My participation in Baja rallies last season was a new experience, but it yielded positive results, culminating in a third-place finish in the Side by Side (T4) category in the 2025 season".
"Moving to a higher category is a strategic step towards Dakar, I will compete with the Can-Am Maverick R Challenger, becoming one of the first drivers to use this car in the Challenger class". Al Wahaibi concluded.
Al Wahaibi also highlighted that the 2026 programme will be intensive, featuring participation in six Baja World Cup rounds across several countries, in addition to selected rounds of the World Rally-Raid Championship.
In conclusion, the Omani rally driver stressed that accumulating experience is the most important factor in rally sport, affirming that his ultimate goal is to arrive at the Dakar Rally in the best possible condition and to represent the Sultanate of Oman in a proud and honourable manner.
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