Albury-born rider Houlihan has returned to the Middle East for the October 28-31 event, widely regarded as one of the most demanding cross-country rallies on the international calendar. The experienced Australian was originally slated to compete aboard a Husqvarna FR450 Factory Rally machine, sharing similar specifications and characteristics to the KTM 450 Rally Replica he previously raced at the Dakar Rally.
However, that primary motorcycle became trapped on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Houlihan into a frantic scramble to borrow a KTM motorcycle from a friend stationed in Qatar. Adding a significantly steeper layer to an already monumental challenge, he will contest the Qatari event in traditional Malle Moto-style completely unsupported, shouldering full responsibility for his own mechanical maintenance, routine servicing, and tyre changes throughout the grueling duration of the rally.
After spending 12 months away from overseas competition, Houlihan views the Qatar International Baja as the ultimate proving ground to ease his way back into the international rally-raid scene. The event features an expanded route spanning a total distance of 940.28 kilometres, incorporating 538.44 kilometres of competitive stages—representing an 18.4 percent increase in pure competitive distance compared to previous editions.
"It has been 12 months since I have competed overseas, so I am really looking forward to getting back to the Middle East and racing at this level again," Houlihan stated. "Qatar is going to be a serious challenge. It is a tough event in its own right, but doing it unsupported adds another dimension. I’ll be responsible for all the work on the bike, including the mechanical servicing and tyre changes, so it becomes as much about managing yourself and the machinery as it is about outright speed. The goal is to put together a smart, consistent event, look after the bike and myself and get through every kilometre. I’ve missed international competition and I’m excited to be heading back."
Action kicks off with the Prologue on October 28 before competitors take on two massive stages traversing Qatar's notoriously punishing desert terrain. The opening stage packs 336.34 kilometres of competitive running, while the rally concludes with a demanding final push through the spectacular Sealine sand dunes, an area renowned for rigorously testing riders' navigation, physical fitness, and sand-riding proficiency. Furthermore, the event hosts three major international championship competitions, encompassing Round 5 of the FIM Bajas World Cup alongside Round 7 of the FIA World Baja Cup and round three of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.
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