Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura 2025 – Portuguese Domination and Rally Drama
- Sven Syfrig
- May 4
- 3 min read
Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura 2025 Recap – Portuguese Power and Unforgettable Terrain
The 2025 edition of the Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura once again confirmed its place as one of the most technically demanding and visually stunning rallies on the Iberian off-road calendar. With dramatic landscapes, international competitors, and two intense racing days, the rally pushed both vehicles and drivers to the limit.
What Made Dehesa Extremadur 2025 Special?
For the first time, the rally kicked off in Elvas, Portugal, bringing a cross-border flair that added even more excitement to the legendary Baja TT. Day one concluded at the Base General Menacho near Badajoz, featuring wide-open, military-style terrain that tested speed and strategy alike.
The event was a showcase of Portuguese motorsport strength, with wins in both the car and motorbike categories.
Top 5 Car Results – Baja TT Extremadura 2025
João Ferreira / Filipe Palmeiro – MINI John Cooper Works Rally Plus
Francisco Barreto / Carlos Duarte – Toyota Hilux T1+
Pedro Carneiro / João Fuente – G-Rally OT3 (Challenger Class)
Maria Gameiro / José Marques – MINI JCW Rally Plus (Top Female Team)
Tomasz Białkowski – Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (SSV Winner)
João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro once again proved why they’re considered one of Portugal’s top rally duos. Their victory in the T1+ class was not only expected but dominant, especially on day two’s faster stages where their MINI JCW unleashed its full potential.
Motorbike Category – Total Control by Bruno Santos
🥇 Bruno Santos – Husqvarna
🥈 David Megre – Kawasaki
🥉 Javier Vega – Yamaha
Santos set the tone from the very first stage and never looked back. By the end of day one, he had built an insurmountable lead, finishing over an hour ahead of fourth place. The Portuguese rider once again proved he is a force to be reckoned with in the FIM Bajas World Cup.
Mechanical Setbacks and Rally Drama
While most competitors crossed the finish line, several notable retirements marked this year’s edition:
João Ramos – Forced to retire after veering off course in stage 1.
Michal Maluszyński – Withdrew due to electrical issues.
João Dias / João Miranda – Mechanical breakdown in the final stage.
Benediktas Vanagas / Kuldar Sikk – Toyota Hilux T1+ suffered engine failure near the finish.
Spotlight on Mattias Ekström – A Rally Legend Returns
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend was the appearance of Mattias Ekström, the Swedish motorsport all-rounder best known for DTM, World Rallycross, and the Dakar Rally.
Ekström entered the event as part of a Can-Am sponsored privateer effort in an SSV (Side-by-Side Vehicle), showcasing his versatility and determination to stay sharp outside of high-profile factory programs. After a strong showing in the first day’s technical stages, a fuel system issue ended his rally early on day two.
“It’s a shame to retire, but this rally was a blast. Fast, technical, beautiful – everything a Baja should be,” Ekström commented before leaving the bivouac.
Conclusion – A Rally to Remember
The 2025 Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura offered everything rally fans dream of: international competition, unpredictable terrain, surprise appearances, and sheer speed. With Portuguese racers dominating both major categories and legends like Mattias Ekström making headlines, the event proved once again why it’s a jewel in the European Baja calendar.
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