The Qatar International Baja was the scene of the first victory for the MINI JCW Rally 3.0i, and this in only its second race ever. The new member of the X-raid family had already attracted attention with very good results at the Rally du Maroc. Now comes the big success: Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov win the Baja in Qatar in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0i.
The crew had already made a good start to the event with an eighth place in the very close prologue. On the following day, they secured second and first places on the two special stages. As a result, they started the third and final stage on Saturday in second place overall. Once again, they secured a top position and thus paved the way for the first victory for the MINI JCW Rally 3.0i.
The next rally for X-raid is already next week. The Baja Oeste de Portugal, the final round of the Portuguese Off-road Championship, is on the programme. Joao Ferreira will be fighting for overall victory in the MINI JCW Rally Plus. For logistical reasons, the Portuguese driver had competed in the SSV classification at the Qatar Int. Baja. He secured second place and thus retains all chances of winning the FIA World Baja Cup title.
Quotes from the team
Sven Quandt, X-raid team principal: ‘Wow! A victory in only the second race of the new MINI 3.0i. The first victory with a brand-new car is always something special. I am extremely proud of Dennis and Konstantin, who have delivered an incredible performance. Navigation is always difficult in Qatar. Dennis has become really fast in the last year. A great result! The X-raid team has done an amazing job in Qatar and in Trebur. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed and has done a great job in the last few days. Thank you!’
Denis Krotov (#200 MINI JCW Rally 3.0i): ‘I was very happy to return to Qatar and to win the Qatar International Baja with the new MINI JCW Rally 3.0i. This race was a great challenge and very demanding for the driver, co-driver and car. It was an honour to get the first victory for X-raid with the new MINI JCW Rally 3.0i. I am sure this project has a great future. Thanks to the organisers for an amazing race. Our team was on the podium last year and now we have won.’
Overall standings
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D. Krotov / K. Zhiltsov – MINI JCW Rally 3.0i – 5h 27m 13s
2. J. Ferreira / F. Palmeiro – Can-Am – 5h 57m 20s
3. J. Dias / G. Reis – Can-Am – 6h 01m 09s
4. M. Zapletal 7 M. Sykora – Ford – 6h 01m 29s
5. D. Akeel / S. Duplé – Toyota – 6h 09m 02s