Toyota Gazoo Racing SA (TGRSA) is primed for another monumental campaign at the Dakar Rally, with four exceptionally capable crews preparing to take on the 2026 edition of the world’s most demanding motorsport event. This year’s rally, which runs from January 3 to 17, presents a route of formidable length and variety, nearly matching the record for special stage kilometres seen since the Dakar moved to Saudi Arabia. For 2026, TGRSA will field a quartet of proven competitors: All four crews will race the latest evolution of the GR Hilux IMT Evo, a machine refined relentlessly throughout 2025 to sharpen durability, handling, and outright performance.
Confidence in the squad is high, bolstered by Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet’s victorious 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) campaign. Yacopini and Oliveras were also recently crowned as the FIA’s World Baja Cup champions after winning the Dubai International Baja, clearly showing they have the pace and experience to make a meaningful contribution to Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Dakar 2026 campaign. Both these championship wins underscore the depth of preparation across the team.
TGRSA team principal Shameer Variawa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the 2026 challenge: “The team has worked incredibly hard throughout 2025, both in competition and behind the scenes, to ensure we arrive at Dakar with a package capable of performing from Day 1. “Our testing programme with the latest GR Hilux IMT Evo has been extensive, and we’ve refined every area we possibly can. Dakar is unlike anything else in motorsport, but I believe we’re going into this year’s race with a strong, united team and four highly capable crews.” Glenn Crompton, Toyota SA Motors vice-president of marketing, highlighted the wider significance of Toyota’s involvement in the Dakar Rally: “Dakar is more than a race for us; it’s the ultimate proving ground for the Hilux brand.
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“The environment is harsh, the distances extreme, and the conditions unpredictable. It gives us an unmatched platform to demonstrate the quality, durability and reliability that define Hilux, while also helping our engineers to keep building ever-better cars. “At the same time, the event resonates deeply with fans around the world. It reflects a spirit of adventure and perseverance that aligns perfectly with Toyota’s values.
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