TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) is set to tackle the 2025 Dakar Rally with a formidable six-car team, combining expertise from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR), TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA), TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY (TLC), and HINO TEAM SUGAWARA. The rally, serving as the opening round of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), will test endurance, navigation, and performance across Saudi Arabia’s demanding landscapes.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
The TGR team, representing Toyota Motor Europe, features rising stars Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero, building on their success in the 2024 W2RC Manufacturer’s Championship. Meanwhile, TGRSA fields four experienced crews, including Dakar veteran Giniel de Villiers and emerging talents like Henk Lategan and Guy Botterill.
Andrea Carlucci, Team Principal, highlighted the team’s diverse expertise: “With Repsol joining as a key partner, our team this year blends youth and experience, essential for tackling the challenges of Dakar. The GR DKR Hilux Evo has been meticulously refined, ensuring we field one of the strongest line-ups.”
Sustainable Innovation with Repsol
The strengthened partnership with Repsol underscores TGR’s commitment to sustainable motorsport. Repsol’s renewable fuels align with Toyota’s multi-path technology strategy, pushing toward carbon neutrality while maintaining high performance.
The GR DKR Hilux Evo: Built for Dakar
The six crews will compete in the upgraded GR DKR Hilux Evo, designed with Toyota’s Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. Enhancements for 2025 include advanced durability and reliability to navigate the grueling 14-stage rally. Key specifications include a twin-turbo V35A engine, a tubular frame construction, and a robust suspension system with 350 mm travel.
Supporting Teams
Complementing the TGR efforts, TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY (TLC) will compete in the FIA Stock class with two Land Cruiser 300 GR SPORT vehicles, while HINO TEAM SUGAWARA fields a truck based on the HINO 600 Series.
Looking Ahead
As a critical round for the W2RC championship, the Dakar Rally 2025 presents an opportunity for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to set the tone for another successful season. With its combination of cutting-edge technology, seasoned expertise, and a commitment to sustainability, Toyota is poised for a strong showing on motorsport’s ultimate stage.
Source: Toyota
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
