DANIA AKEEL & HEDDA HOSÅS Lead Female Charge at Jordan Baja Desert Rally

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February 14, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

DANIA AKEEL delivered a brilliant performance alongside navigator Sébastien Delaunay to claim second place overall in the challenging Jordan Baja, achieving her goal of a podium finish after missing out last year due to technical issues. The Saudi driver showed mature skills through varied desert terrain, staying conservative on day one before unleashing pace on the final stage to secure valuable FIA World Baja Cup points and prove the high level of competition in Jordan makes everyone drive better.
Norway’s HEDDA HOSÅS made history by earning her first-ever SSV category victory at just 24 years old, teaming with Spanish navigator Pol Tibau in their R-X Sport Can-Am Maverick R. The young Norwegian strategically managed her pace, taking it careful early to preserve position before pushing hard in the closing stages, also claiming her first stage win on the opening Wadi Rum special to seal a breakthrough maiden FIA World Baja Cup triumph.
LUCIE BAUD showcased exceptional navigation skills as the father-daughter duo with Lionel Baud fought for victory in their diesel X-Raid Mini, winning the opening stage and leading overnight before a puncture cost them the win. Despite opening the road on the final day in challenging conditions, the French navigator earned high praise from her father who noted her development over three years has reached a very high level, with their third-place finish demonstrating the strength of their partnership.
MAHA AL-HAMALI rounded out the top five in SSV competition with navigator Nuno Morais, while other notable female competitors included San Marino’s CAMELIA LIPAROTI finishing 23rd overall with Italian co-driver Erika Mingozzi, Jordan’s FARAH ZAKARIA with German navigator Jennifer Lerch, and UAE’s NORA AL-JASSASI who unfortunately retired on the second stage, showing the growing international representation of women in desert racing.