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Francisco Barreto arrives at the season-ending Dubai International Baja with a commanding position in the 2026 FIA World Baja Cup standings after collecting vital points with a runner-up finish at the Qatar International Baja last weekend. The Portuguese driver and navigator Paulo Fiúza head a trio of contenders that also includes Saood Variawa and Mitchel van den Brink, all of whom retain mathematical chances of lifting the title over the four days of competition. Emirates 24|7 reported on November 5 that the event will draw an international field to the emirate as the championship reaches its climax.
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile assessment placed Barreto in the driving seat for both the overall drivers’ championship and the Ultimate class crown. Only Variawa can deny him the Ultimate title while the overall standings fight remains open among the three drivers depending on results in the desert stages. A total of 35 cars have entered the event organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation at a base in Dubai Festival City.
Barreto told the FIA that his team must adopt a measured approach across the demanding terrain. “We need to be smart, finish the race and get the best position we can. It’s the most important race for us. We need to win the World Cup at the end of the season.” The 10th running of the Dubai International Baja also carries patronage from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Federation Internationale de l’Automobile figures show the entry list comprises seven Ultimate crews, nine Challenger entries, 14 SSV teams and five Stock class vehicles. The championship finale doubles as the concluding round for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup and forms part of the calendar for FIM Bajas World Cup and FIM Asia Baja Continental Championship events. Emirates 24|7 noted that the occasion continues a cross-country rallying tradition in the UAE that stretches back to the first Dubai Rally in 1979.
Van den Brink encountered punctures and electrical difficulties during the Qatar round yet requires only a modest points haul in Dubai to secure the Challenger category title, according to the FIA. His nearest rival, Oman’s Hamed Al-Wahaibi, lost ground through an accident in Qatar and appears set to finish as runner-up in the class. The navigator championship will be settled between Fiúza and Bart van Heun after other pairings completed their permitted number of events.
FIA historical records indicate that Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini claimed the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup title with victory at the same Dubai event alongside navigator Dani Oliveras. This year’s contest has featured consistent competition across multiple rounds in the Middle East and beyond. The outcome in the coming days will determine the final 2026 standings across the various categories.
