TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is poised to tackle the formidable 2025 Dakar Rally following a stellar performance in the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC). With an impressive 1-2-3 finish in the series, TGRSA now shifts its focus to the ultimate off-road challenge.

The 2025 Dakar Rally spans nearly 8 000 km across Saudi Arabia’s harshest terrain. Competitors will navigate 12 stages, including over 5 000 km of timed special sections, with the route offering a mix of high-speed straights, challenging dunes, and technical navigation.

The event promises to test the endurance of both drivers and machines, particularly during the gruelling 48-hour Chrono Stage and the Marathon Stage, where no external service support is allowed.

“This year’s Dakar route promises to be one of the most challenging yet,” said reigning SARRC champion Henk Lategan. “With the added complexity of the 48-hour Chrono and the Marathon Stage, we know we’ll need to be at our absolute best from the start.”

The GR DKR Hilux Evo: Built for Dakar

TGRSA’s weapon of choice for Dakar 2025 is the refined GR DKR Hilux Evo, designed to handle the extreme conditions of the desert.

Key features include:

• Engine: A 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 264 kW and 620 Nm of torque, sourced from the Land Cruiser 300.
• Suspension: Advanced double-wishbone system with 350 mm of travel.
• Chassis: Lightweight tubular frame for strength and durability.
• Body: Aerodynamic composite Hilux body for reliability and performance.
• Transmission: SADEV 6-speed sequential gearbox with limited-slip differentials.
• Fuel System: 540-litre endurance-focused tank.

“The GR DKR Hilux Evo has been refined through countless kilometres of racing, including our success in the 2024 SARRC,” said Shameer Variawa, Team Principal. “This is a car that is as reliable as it is fast. We believe it’s the perfect machine for Dakar 2025.”

World-Class Crews Representing TGRSA

TGRSA will field four crews, blending experience and emerging talent:

• Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings (#211): Reigning SARRC champions, focused on translating their dominance to the global stage.
• Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy (#205): Dakar 2024 Rookie of the Year, aiming to build on a strong debut.
• Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz (#206): The 2009 Dakar-winning duo reunites for Giniel’s final Dakar with Toyota.
• Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet (#218): The youngest pairing in the team, eager to continue their upward trajectory.

Additional TOYOTA GAZOO Racing crews include Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleon (#203) and Seth Quintero with Dennis Zenz (#204), bringing depth and international flair to the line-up.

“Our team is a mix of youth and experience, and we’re proud to have such a talented line-up,” said Variawa. “Each crew brings something unique, and together, we aim to achieve great results.”

The Road to Dakar and Beyond

The Dakar Rally also marks the opening round of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). TGRSA is equally excited about Round 3, the South African Safari Rally, which will take place from May 18-24, 2025. As the event’s sponsor, TGRSA reaffirms its commitment to rally-raid racing on home soil and the international stage.

“We’ve set the team a challenge for Dakar 2025,” said Leon Theron, Toyota South Africa Motors’ Senior Vice-President for Sales and Marketing. “Of course, we’d like to win, but at the very least we expect one of our cars on the podium – and ideally three of the four in the Top 10.”

With the countdown to January 2025 well underway, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa stands ready to tackle the world’s toughest rally, armed with championship-winning confidence and a world-class team.