Toyota (NYSE:) City, Japan, Dec 27, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) is preparing for the ultimate test of endurance and skill as the 2025 Dakar Rally approaches. The race, known for its tough nature and unpredictable challenges, will also take place across Saudi Arabia, with competitors facing more than 8,000 kilometers of tricky terrain, including more than 5,000 kilometers of special timed stages. This year’s event promises to push competitors to their limits as they tackle one of the toughest routes in recent history.
The 2025 Dakar Rally will set the stage for the FIA/FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), which serves as the opening round of the season. A strong performance in the first race is important for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, as it aims to continue the momentum of its successful 2024 W2RC campaign, which has seen the Japanese automaker defend the Manufacturers’ Championship for three consecutive years.
The sixth edition of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia is expected to deliver one of the most challenging routes to date. Competitors will begin their journey in Bisha, a city in the south-west of the country, before navigating a meticulously designed course that takes advantage of the region’s varied and difficult terrain. The meet opens with the first stage on January 3, which allows competitors to establish their first program before entering the main event.
The route contains many highlights, including a grueling 48-hour Chrono Stage that will test endurance early in the race, and a marathon stage where teams must rely solely on their own skills and equipment to make it through the night without outside help. The iconic dunes of the Empty Quarter return as the backdrop for the second week of the meet, introducing participants to tall sand dunes and challenging navigation that will divide the field.
In total, the race includes 12 stages with stage distances ranging from a short but demanding final day of 134 kilometers to a punishing 606 kilometers. after that as competitors face the longest running specials and challenging mounds in the second week. The meeting will conclude in Shubaytah on January 17, where a celebration platform awaits the successful winners.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will enter six crews for the 2025 Dakar Rally, a combination of seasoned experience and young talent. Lucas Moraes, partnering Armand Monleon (#203), and Seth Quintero, partnering Dennis Zenz (#204), represent TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (Europe). Meanwhile, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa team includes Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz (#206), Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings (#211), Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy (#205 ), and Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet (#. 218). Together, the six crews form one of the most balanced and competitive players in the league.
Each team will rely on the race-proven GR DKR Hilux Evo, the latest iteration of Toyota’s attack platform. Building on the success of the 2024 model, the 2025 Hilux Evo features the development of key systems and components aimed at increasing reliability, durability, and performance in the unforgiving conditions of the Dakar Rally. This development is in line with Toyota’s Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence in building the best cars.
Before the race, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will start its journey with careful preparation. After the race cars arrive in Saudi Arabia, they will be completely assembled by the technical staff. Race crews will then complete a pre-race shakedown to ensure the cars are performing well before the event begins. All racers and members of the technical team will go through a mandatory authorization process to obtain the necessary information to participate. Finally, the cars will go through a rigorous technical inspection, where race officials will ensure that they comply with the strict rules of Dakar. This includes testing driver safety equipment, vehicle systems, and employee fitness to compete.
TGR Quotes Group
Lucas Moraes:
“The Dakar Rally is always a great test for drivers and cars, and this year’s track looks set to be one of the toughest yet. From the dunes of the Empty Quarter to the challenging rocky terrain, every day will be a battle. The GR DKR Hilux Evo has proven itself time and time again, and with the development of -2025, I’m sure we have the perfect machine to face this challenge. I’m excited to start the season and see how we cope with such a difficult course.”
Seth Quintero:
“The 2025 Dakar Rally will be an incredible challenge, and I can’t wait to drive it. The track is brutal, and we know there won’t be easy days outside, but that’s what makes the Dakar so special. . The GR DKR Hilux Evo is built for these extreme conditions , and the development of the team gives us the confidence to push even more. I look forward to seeing what we can get from such an event.”
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