No less than five nationalities will be represented by Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa when the stable takes on the 2018 Dakar Rally in January.
South Africa’s 2009 Dakar winner, Giniel de Villiers, will again drive alongside long-term German navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz, with the driver having recently clinched the South African Cross-Country Series championship.
Two-time Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al Attiyah from Qatar makes a return, and will be assisted by Frenchman Mathieu Baumel. The pair also raced for the team at Dakar 2017, winning the opening stage and leading the event before retiring on Stage 3.
The third and final crew in Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s line-up sees Dutch driver Bernard ten Brinke team up with French co-pilot Michel Périn. Ten Brinke made his Dakar debut in 2012 and finished in a credible 8th place, while Perin is a veteran of a number of Dakar Rallies, having won three of them.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa outfit will all be driving the all-new Toyota Hilux, which was put through its paces over the last two weeks during testing outside Upington.
The 2018 Dakar Rally gets under way on January 6 in Lima, Peru, and ends on January 20 in Cordoba, Argentina. It remains the world’s greatest automotive race, bringing together more than 500 competitors from as many as 60 different nationalities. The race takes 15 days to complete, takes place in three countries and covers more than 10 000 km.
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South Africa was represented by competitors from five countries at the Dakar 2018 Rally, showcasing talent, skill, and determination on an international stage. The event brought together drivers and teams from diverse nations, highlighting endurance, strategy, and teamwork required to navigate the challenging terrain. South African participants demonstrated strong performance and sportsmanship, contributing to the country’s presence and reputation in one of the most demanding motorsport events in the world.