HAIL, Saudi Arabia: The Baja Hail Toyota International Rally 2026 began on Thursday with the running of the prologue stage in the Mushar area, marking the official start of competition in the Hail region.
The rally is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Hail Region Emirate and the Hail Region Development Authority.
The prologue covered a total distance of 35 km, including a 6 km timed special stage.
It attracted a strong international field, with several competitors arriving in Hail shortly after the conclusion of the Dakar Rally earlier this month.
The event also serves as the opening round of multiple international and regional championships, including the FIA World Baja Cup, FIA Middle East Baja Cup, FIM World Baja Cup and FIM Asia Baja Cup, as well as the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship.
A total of 152 drivers and navigators, including 73 Saudis, are competing across 93 vehicles in six categories: Ultimate, Stock, Challenger, Side-by-Side, Motorcycles and Quad Bikes.
In the cars category, Yazeed Al-Rajhi claimed first place after setting the fastest time of 3 minutes 57 seconds and 1 millisecond. Sawood Variawa followed in second, 8 seconds behind, while Nasser Al-Attiyah completed the top three, a further 19 seconds adrift.
In the Bikes category, Alex McInnes took top honors with a time of 4 minutes 45 seconds and 4 milliseconds. Haitham Al-Tuwwayjiri finished second, 12 seconds back, with Abdallah Abuaisheh securing third place, 17 seconds off the lead.
The national category of the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship was led by Faris Al-Shammari, who topped the classification after completing the prologue in 4 minutes 50 seconds and 1 millisecond. Ahmad Al-Shammari placed second, 2 seconds behind, followed by Majed Al-Shammari in third, 5 seconds off the lead.
Under rally regulations, the top 10 competitors in the prologue earn the right to select their starting positions for stage one on Friday, with priority determined by their final classification in the prologue.
