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As the 2025 Dakar Rally approaches, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) stands resolutely prepared to navigate the challenges that lie ahead, with a formidable six-car team ready to compete. Collaborating closely with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA), along with TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY (TLC) and HINO TEAM SUGAWARA, TGR is set to make a significant impact in what is sure to be a thrilling rally.
Team Structure and Strategy
The 2025 edition of the Dakar Rally will see TGR adopt a dual-pronged approach. The main TGR squad, representing Toyota Motor Europe, showcases a blend of emerging talents, including rising stars such as Lucas Moraes, paired with co-driver Armand Monleon, and Seth Quintero alongside Dennis Zenz. This selection underlines TGR’s commitment to fostering young talent, ensuring they gain vital experience in the competitive realm of rally-raid.
Following their remarkable success in the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), where Moraes and Quintero were key players in securing the Manufacturer’s Championship for Toyota, the team enters Dakar 2025 with an unwavering focus to sustain that victorious momentum. As the inaugural round of the 2025 W2RC season, the Dakar Rally is pivotal in establishing the team’s championship aspirations.
Partnership for a Sustainable Future
In a strategic move, TGR has strengthened its partnership with Repsol, an essential sponsor in their quest for success at Dakar 2025. This collaboration not only signifies a commitment to performance but also aligns with a broader vision for sustainable innovation. Repsol’s expertise in renewable fuels complements Toyota’s multifaceted approach to technology, furthering the joint mission towards carbon neutrality in motorsport. The Repsol branding will be prominently displayed on the TGR vehicles and team apparel, reinforcing their shared dedication to pioneering renewable energy solutions.
TGRSA: Experience Meets Youth
On the South African front, TGRSA will present a robust four-car team comprising seasoned drivers such as Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz, alongside Henk Lategan with Brett Cummings, Guy Botterill with Dennis Murphy, and Saood Variawa with Francois Cazalet. The integration of the TGR and TGRSA teams into a unified six-car line-up not only enhances versatility but also creates a dynamic environment where youthful energy is seamlessly blended with extensive experience.
Voices from the Team
Lucas Moraes
“I’m incredibly excited to take on the Dakar Rally once again, especially as part of such a strong team. The GR DKR Hilux Evo is an incredible machine, and with the latest improvements, I feel confident we have everything we need to compete at the highest level. It’s an honour to represent Toyota and to work with partners like Repsol as we drive towards a more sustainable future in motorsport,” said Moraes, his enthusiasm reflecting the spirit of the team.
Seth Quintero
“Being part of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the 2025 Dakar is a dream come true. Every year, I learn and grow more as a driver, and the Dakar is the ultimate test. With Repsol onboard as a sponsor, it’s exciting to know that we’re contributing to something bigger than just racing – we’re pioneering renewable technologies and proving what’s possible with sustainable energy in motorsport,” Quintero noted.
Andrea Carlucci
Team Principal Andrea Carlucci shared his insights on the upcoming challenge: “The 2025 Dakar Rally represents TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s commitment to excellence and innovation. With Repsol joining us as a key partner, we are taking significant strides towards a sustainable future. Our team this year is a blend of youth and experience, which we believe is essential for tackling the challenges of Dakar. The GR DKR Hilux Evo has been meticulously refined, and I’m confident that we are fielding one of the strongest line-ups in this year’s event.”
The Supporting Teams
In addition to TGR and TGRSA, the participation of TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY (TLC) enhances the representation of Toyota in the Dakar Rally. Competing in the FIA T2 Stock category, TLC will deploy two rally vehicles based on the Land Cruiser 300 GR SPORT. Furthermore, HINO TEAM SUGAWARA will fight for victory with a vehicle based on the HINO 600 Series, showcasing the diverse capabilities of Toyota’s engineering.
The Challenge Ahead
Set to unfold in January, the 2025 Dakar Rally promises an exhilarating course through the rugged landscapes of Saudi Arabia, featuring towering desert dunes, rocky terrains, and high-speed segments across expansive plains. Over 14 demanding stages, competitors will confront extreme conditions that will rigorously test endurance, navigation skills, and vehicle performance. The multifaceted nature of the race demands not only physical resilience but also strategic acumen, making every stage a new trial for drivers and their teams.
The GR DKR Hilux Evo: The Evolution of Performance
All six of TGR’s crews will operate the latest iteration of their formidable race-proven vehicle, the GR DKR Hilux Evo. While remaining true to its reliable core design that has garnered numerous victories, the 2025 version has undergone meticulous refinements aimed at enhancing quality, durability, and reliability—attributes that lie at the core of Toyota’s philosophy.
Steeped in the principles of Kaizen, Toyota’s approach to continuous improvement, each new iteration builds upon the lessons learned from previous races. The ongoing enhancements ensure that the GR DKR Hilux Evo is not just a competitive machine but a resilient force capable of thriving in the harshest rally conditions.
Conclusion: A Rallying Call for Team Spirit and Sustainable Innovation
As TOYOTA GAZOO Racing prepares for the Dakar Rally 2025, the underlying theme of this year’s campaign is a blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned expertise, bolstered by strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainability. With an impressive line-up of skilled drivers and innovative vehicles, TGR is poised to make a statement on the international rally stage.
The mantra of teamwork, determination, and sustainability not only embodies TGR’s ethos but also sets a benchmark in the motorsport industry, highlighting the transformative potential of blending competitive spirit with responsible practices. As the countdown to the Dakar Rally begins, motorsport enthusiasts and fans alike can look forward to witnessing an exciting showcase of talent and innovation, underscoring TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s unwavering resolve to push boundaries in the pursuit of automotive excellence.
SPECIFICATIONS: GR DKR HILUX EVO (2025)
| Engine | V35A Production Engine |
| Donor | Land Cruiser 300 |
| Engine Type | Twin Turbo, Petrol |
| Control Regulation | Boost Limited by FIA Reference Power Curve |
| Power | 264 kW @ 5,300 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm |
| Engine Mangement | Motec |
| Transmission | Sadev 6-speed, Sequential Shift |
| Differentials | All Limited Slip (front, centre, rear) |
| Clutch | Ceramic Twin Plate, 215 mm |
| Construction | Tubular Frame |
| Wheel Base | 3,140 mm |
| Track | 2,025 mm |
| Overall Length | 4,810 mm |
| Overall Width | 2,300 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,890 mm |
| Overall Mass | 2,010 kg FIA Regulated Minimum (dry weight) |
| Body | Toyota Hilux Double Cab Pick-Up, Full Composite |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone, 350 mm Travel |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone, 350 mm Travel |
| Wheels | Evo Corse, 17″ |
| Tyres | BFGoodrich, 37″ |
| Fuel Tank | FT3 Safety Cell, 540 litres |
Major achievements in 2024: TGR: Manufacturer champion
