Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) is set to embark on one of motorsport’s most demanding tests of endurance and precision as the 2025 Dakar Rally looms on the horizon. The rally, notorious for its relentless challenges, will take place across Saudi Arabia, spanning nearly 5,000 miles of harsh terrain, including over 3,000 miles of timed special stages. This year's route is billed as one of the toughest in recent history, promising to push competitors to their absolute limits.
A High-Stakes Season Opener
The Dakar Rally will also serve as the opening round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), making it a critical event for teams aiming to establish dominance early in the season. For TGR, this rally represents an opportunity to sustain the momentum from their triumphant 2024 W2RC campaign, during which the team clinched the Manufacturers’ Championship for the third consecutive year.
A Treacherous Course
Starting in Bisha on January 3 with a prologue to determine the starting order, the 12-stage rally weaves through Saudi Arabia’s varied landscapes, from rocky sections to towering sand dunes in the infamous Empty Quarter. Highlights include the grueling 48-hour Chrono Stage and the marathon stage, where teams must rely solely on their own skills and resources overnight.
After a brief rest day in Hail on January 10, the intensity resumes with some of the longest timed specials and punishing dunes. The rally concludes in Shubaytah on January 17, with the final day featuring an 83-mile sprint to the finish line.
A Formidable Line-up
Toyota Gazoo Racing will field six highly skilled crews, creating a balance of seasoned expertise and emerging talent. The lineup includes Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleon (No203), Seth Quintero and Dennis Zenz (No204), Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz (No206), Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings (No211), Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy (No205), and Saood Variawa with Francois Cazalet (No218).
Each team will pilot the GR DKR Hilux Evo, a vehicle refined for 2025 with enhanced reliability, durability, and performance in line with Toyota’s kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement.
Preparation and Precision
In preparation for the rally, the GR DKR Hilux Evo vehicles will undergo full reassembly and pre-race shakedowns upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Team members will complete accreditation processes, and vehicles will pass rigorous technical inspections to ensure compliance with Dakar’s stringent regulations.
Drivers’ Perspectives
TGR’s drivers are eager to face the challenges ahead. Lucas Moraes highlighted the rally’s unique test of driver and vehicle resilience:
“From the dunes of the Empty Quarter to the challenging rocky sections, every day will be a battle. The GR DKR Hilux Evo has proven itself time and again, and with the refinements made for 2025, I’m confident we have the perfect machine to take on the challenge.”
Seth Quintero echoed the excitement:
“The route is brutal, and we know there won’t be any easy days out there, but that’s what makes Dakar so special. The GR DKR Hilux Evo is built for these extreme conditions, and the improvements the team has made give us the confidence to push even harder.”
Conclusion
The 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be a grueling yet exhilarating challenge for Toyota Gazoo Racing. With a formidable team, cutting-edge vehicles, and a commitment to excellence, TGR is poised to take on the iconic rally and continue their legacy of success in the world of rally-raid motorsport.
