Saudi Arabian World Champion Yazeed bin Mohammed Al Rajhi is set to resume competition at Baja España Aragón 2026 following the postponement of the rally’s original start date due to wildfires in areas close to the competition route. The organisers rescheduled the event as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of competitors, teams, and spectators.
The 42nd edition of Baja Aragón will see a change in Al Rajhi’s driver line-up after his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk suffered an accident while riding a motorcycle, resulting in rib fractures. Gottschalk will miss the event as he continues his recovery, with fellow German co-driver Dennis Zenz stepping in to partner Al Rajhi during the Spanish rally.
Al Rajhi will compete behind the wheel of the Toyota Hilux T1+, prepared by the Belgian Overdrive Racing team, in the fifth round of the 2026 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas. The event takes place in Teruel, Aragón, northeastern Spain, bringing together some of the world’s leading cross-country rally competitors.
Considered one of the most prestigious and historic Baja events in the world since its first edition in 1983, Baja Aragón continues to attract top international talent, with this year’s edition expected to feature fierce competition for victory in the Spanish classic.
The rally covers a total distance of 810.11 kilometres, including 488.68 kilometres of competitive sections, divided into a 6.48-kilometre Prologue, a first stage covering 331.15 kilometres, and a final stage of 151.07 kilometres. The route features fast gravel and dirt tracks, combined with technical sections that demand maximum concentration and precision from drivers and co-drivers.
Al Rajhi has already competed this season in Dakar Rally 2026, as well as the Portugal and Argentina rounds of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). His participation in the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas was limited to the opening round in Ha’il, as part of a gradual programme to regain full physical readiness following his rehabilitation period.
The Saudi World Champion aims to deliver a strong performance at Baja Aragón and continue competing at the highest level of international cross-country rallying, despite the last-minute change in his co-driver line-up.
Speaking ahead of the event, Al Rajhi said: “First of all, I wish Timo a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in competition soon. Changing the co-driver shortly before the rally is a new challenge, but Dennis is an experienced co-driver, and we are ready to compete and give our best.”
He added: “The decision to postpone the rally was made to ensure everyone’s safety. We are looking forward to returning to competition at one of the toughest and most historic Baja events in the world. Our goal is to deliver a strong performance and achieve the best possible result.”
Al Rajhi concluded by expressing his appreciation to Jameel Motorsport, the official partner of his racing career, for their continuous support throughout his participation in international and regional championships.
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