TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Gears Up for 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Braces for the 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

The countdown to one of the most grueling motorsport events is on as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) gears up for the 2025 Dakar Rally. Known for its treacherous routes and extreme endurance challenges, this iconic rally will unfold across Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes, testing drivers and vehicles over an intense 8,000 kilometers.

The Route: A Test of Endurance and Skill

This year’s Dakar Rally, beginning on January 3, will serve as the opening round of the FIA/FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Starting in Bisha and concluding in Shubaytah on January 17, competitors will navigate through 12 stages, including a 48-hour Chrono Stage, a self-reliant marathon stage, and the iconic Empty Quarter dunes. These formidable terrains ensure that only the best-prepared teams will make it to the finish line.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s Line-Up

TGR will field six teams for this year’s rally, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Each crew will rely on the GR DKR Hilux Evo, Toyota’s rally-raid platform that has been refined for 2025 to enhance reliability and performance. The team includes notable pairings like Lucas Moraes with Armand Monleon and Seth Quintero with Dennis Zenz, alongside the South African squad featuring rally stalwarts such as Giniel de Villiers and Henk Lategan.

Preparing for Success

Preparation is key for TGR as they aim to extend their success following their third consecutive Manufacturers’ Championship win in 2024. The GR DKR Hilux Evo reflects Toyota's Kaizen philosophy, featuring updates to optimize performance under the extreme conditions expected in Saudi Arabia. The vehicles will undergo rigorous pre-race inspections and shakedowns to ensure peak readiness.

The Challenge Ahead

Toyota is confident in its teams and vehicles as they tackle this year’s demanding rally. With a route that combines technical sections, rocky paths, and vast desert dunes, competitors will need to demonstrate exceptional skill, strategy, and resilience. The Dakar Rally serves as a true test of Toyota’s commitment to building "ever-better cars" while continuing its dominance in global motorsport.

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