Giniel de Villiers is making his final appearance in the 2025 Dakar Rally after a phenomenal 22-year-long career; he is excited for the next generation of South African motorsport talents to step up and shine on the world stage.
South Africa (19 December 2024) – South African motorsport legend and Red Bull athlete Giniel de Villiers is gearing up for his final appearance in the Dakar Rally, marking the last stop of an illustrious career spanning 22 consecutive participations. The Dakar Rally 2025 promises to be an unforgettable chapter as de Villiers prepares to take on one of the toughest routes in the event’s history. The Dakar Rally, known as the world’s most gruelling off-road endurance race, challenges competitors with extreme terrain, unpredictable weather, and thousands of kilometres across deserts, mountains, and dunes.
Looking back on his 22-year journey, de Villiers described the Dakar as a monumental test of endurance and teamwork.
“The race itself is a huge challenge and a huge adventure. You have to deal with the unexpected as it comes along, and experience helps you manage it. The main thing is to never give up and to always soldier on,” he says.
For de Villiers, Dakar 2025 is particularly significant.
“It’s going to be a tough race from what I’ve seen, with a really difficult first week, including a stage of more than 900 kilometres and a marathon stage. In the second week, we’ll face the dunes of the Empty Quarter,” he explains. “My goal is to work closely with the team, ensuring everyone pulls in the right direction. It’s a huge team effort, more than people think, and hopefully, we can come back with a good result.”
Preparation for the Dakar is an intricate process that requires year-round commitment.
“We fine-tune our race cars to get the last bit of performance out of them. This year was no different. My last test was in Namibia two weeks ago, and all the hard work we’ve put in will hopefully pay off during the race,” de Villiers explains.
As he looks to the future, de Villiers remains grounded.
“I don’t like to plan too far ahead because things change very quickly. For now, my main focus is on this Dakar. Once it’s done, I’ll think about the future,” he said.
Speaking of the future, De Villiers’ advice to aspiring rally drivers reflects his own relentless drive and determination:
“There’s been an influx of young talent in the last few years, which is great for the sport. For those starting out, keep trying, keep doing your best, and keep knocking on doors. One day, the door will open.”
Giniel de Villiers’ legacy is one of perseverance, skill, and an unyielding spirit. As he takes on his final Dakar Rally, he leaves behind a trail of inspiration for future generations of rally drivers.
by 