Let’s go back to 2006, when the Italian Baja came back and was contended in Friuli after the “una-tantum” experience of the Italian Baja Sardinia (2005).
Head Quarter by the Dream Village in Cordenons, victory of the Spanish Marc Roura Blazquez (Nissan Pick-up Navara), second position seized by Edi Orioli (Isuzu D-Max), third place gained by the Russian Leonid Novitskiy (Nissan Pathfinder).
The Sheiko Hamad Bin Eid Al-Thani, driving a Nissan Pathfinder authentically derived by production car (silent and “tourist” equipped), got an excellent 10th position in the Overall Rank together with the Australian navigator George Kevork.
The Italian Baja considered a bit glamour the participation of a Qatar Royal member in the race, always surrounded by his official escort. During the conclusive press conference, while he generously congratulated with the organizing Committee, Al-Thani promised to “come back to the Italian Baja, Inshallah” (God willing).
Now, nine years and many races later, he will be in Pordenone again, together with his navigator Feras Allouh, to drive a Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 belonging to the RTeam of Renato Rickler, who is supporting the driver in his fight to gain T2 Group victory in FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.
Carlo Ragogna Italian Baja Press Office
