From punctures to high-speed sand tracks, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) navigated Stage 2 with precision, maintaining strong overall standings.
Saudi Arabia (06 January 2025) – South African talent took centre stage on a tough and demanding second day of the 2026 Dakar Rally, as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) navigated a fast, punishing Stage 2 from Yanbu to AlUla.
The stage included a 400km special within a total distance of just over 500km. This is where crews were pushed to the limit with a mix of high-speed sand sections, rocky terrain and complex navigation. While the day brought mixed fortunes for the team overall, it underlined the competitiveness and resilience of the South African contingent.
Leading that charge were Saood Variawa and navigator François Cazalet, who delivered another strong performance to finish 10th on the stage. The pair ran at the front for much of the day, with Saood setting an impressive pace through the opening and middle sections before a late puncture cost them valuable time in the final 100 kilometres.
Despite the setback, the South African youngster remained upbeat.
“Stage two was quite good. We were leading for most of the stage until the last 100 kilometres. We had a puncture and sat in dust for a bit, but the pace was really good and the car was amazing throughout.”
Their Dakar showing continues a clear upward trajectory for Saood, who claimed his first-ever South African Rally-Raid Championship victory at the Ingco Vaal 400 alongside Francois last year.
The other crew that endured tough conditions was Guy Botterill and navigator Oriol Mena. An early puncture was followed by a hydraulic jack failure that resulted in the loss of power steering, forcing the pair to complete nearly 200 kilometres without assistance.
“The body took a beating” Guy admitted, “but I can’t believe we only lost around 30 minutes.”
Portuguese duo João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro delivered the strongest stage result for the team with a fifth-place finish.
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Every kilometre conquered by this team adds to their growing reputation, showing they belong among the Dakar elites.
Sources: Supplied
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