Juan Cruz Yacopini has written a new page in the history of rallying with his triumph at the Dubai International Baja, thus winning the title of the FIA World Baja Cup. Alongside his co-driver Dani Oliveras, the Argentine driver demonstrated impressive mastery over the dunes, leaving his competitors in the dust behind his Toyota Hilux IMT Evo. It’s a bit like Indiana Jones took the wheel of a 4×4 to traverse desert landscapes – adventure, adrenaline, and a touch of danger!
The Battle of the Drivers
In a race as thrilling as a blockbuster action film, Yacopini managed to stand out. Behind the wheel of his SVR-prepared Toyota Hilux IMT Evo, he gained the advantage after the first stage, benefiting from a five-minute penalty imposed on Seth Quintero. One could say he played like a cat patiently waiting for the mouse to approach – with precision and strategy.
The victory came down to the details: a final gap of 1 minute and 05.9 seconds over Quintero, not bad for a race where every second counts like in a final sprint at the Olympics! Yacopini accumulated his fifth maximum points in six participations, thus winning the title of champion driver. His co-driver, Oliveras, was also crowned champion, marking a double victory for the duo.
A Race Full of Twists
“It was a really tough race for us,” said Yacopini. “We kept our focus. On the first day, we pushed as hard as we could, but we had a car in front of us. When Quintero received his penalty, we had to open the road the next day, which is not easy without tracks in the sand.”
Once again, navigation played a key role – it’s like trying to find your way through a thick forest without GPS. But Yacopini and Oliveras managed the situation brilliantly, ensuring they didn’t let their rivals catch up.
The Toyota Duel and Desert Surprises
Quintero and his teammate Toby Price were not registered for the FIA Baja Cup this time, but they used the event to test their machines ahead of the big Dakar Rally in January. Like a coach preparing his athletes before championships, they are looking to optimise their performance in the extreme conditions of the desert.
The Czech duo Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka finished fourth in a Ford Raptor, while Mitchel van den Brink and Bart van Heun confirmed their second place in the overall FIA World Baja Cup standings with their Can-Am Maverick R. Speaking of consistency, van den Brink highlighted: “It was a very enjoyable and consistent season for us.” A bit like a well-mastered recipe where every ingredient is perfectly measured.
Dania Akeel and Sébastien Delaunay also shone by finishing sixth in their Overdrive Racing Toyota, thus securing the title of champion drivers of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. The competition was fierce and the pressure palpable, but these drivers managed to excel brilliantly.
The Atmosphere and Organisation
The Dubai International Baja gathered 40 cars at the start, including 11 in the ultimate category. The atmosphere was electrifying, like a rock concert where every participant hopes to take the stage and shine under the spotlight. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the support from local authorities contributed to making this event a true spectacle.
The organisers ensured that every detail was carefully orchestrated. The presence of dignitaries added a touch of prestige to this competition that attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.
At the end of the two days of racing, it was Yacopini who emerged victorious with an impressive time of 6 hours 04 minutes and 32.5 seconds. A performance that not only earns him the coveted title but also the respect of all his competitors.
The Final Results
Here are the final results that reflect the exceptional performance of the drivers:
- 1. Juan Cruz Yacopini (ARG)/Dani Oliveras (ESP) – Toyota Hilux IMT Evo – 6h 04min 32.5sec
- 2. Seth Quintero (USA)/Andrew Short (USA) – Toyota GR Hilux – 6h 05min 38.4sec
- 3. Toby Price (AUS)/Armand Monleón (ESP) – Toyota Hilux Evo – 6h 07min 32.6sec
- 4. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Viktor Chytka (CZE) – Ford Raptor – 6h 14min 46.0sec
- 5. Mitchel van den Brink (NED)/Bart van Heun (NED) – Can-Am Maverick R – 6h 29min 59.2sec
- 6. Dania Akeel (SAU)/Sébastien Delaunay (FRA) – Toyota Hilux Evo – 6h 31min 24.2sec
Official sources:
- FIA World Bajas Cup
- FIA Middle-East Cup for Cross-Country Bajas
