All three of the locally made GR Hilux IMT Evos made it through the short prologue.
Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa adopted what it described as a “measured” start to the 2026 Dakar Rally by having all of three of its brand-new GR Hilux IMT Evos finish in the top 15 after Saturday’s short prologue for the event proper starting on on Sunday (4 January).
Home in the first 15
At just over 22 km, the loop stage to and from Yanbu in the Saudi Arabian desert saw reigning national Rally-Raid champions Saood Variawa and co-driver Francois Cazalet place 10th as the highest finishers.
“We had a decent pace from the start and, with all the panic just before the stage, I think we did a decent job. The car is in one piece and the team has done an amazing job from shakedown and throughout the year. I think we’re in a good position for the race,” Variawa said.
The Portuguese pairing of João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro crossed the line 12th, while the #218 Hilux of Guy Botterill and Oriol Mena recorded the 15th fastest time.
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“We didn’t want to take too many chances in the Prologue. It’s important to get a few kilometres under our belt. The car felt great, and I think we’ve got a good race pace. We’re going to let the race come to us,” Botterill commented.
Before the event, the team’s fourth entry for the Argentine/Spanish crew of Juan Cruz Yacopini and Daniel Oliveras was withdrawn after driver Yacopini was admitted to hospital five days before Christmas after a reported deep sea diving incident in his hometown of Mendoza.
“In light of these circumstances, Juan Cruz Yacopini will not take part in the 2026 Dakar Rally. Our thoughts are with Juan Cruz, his family, and those close to him,” the team remarked in a statement soon after.
Event proper starts on Sunday
A stage won by the Ford Raptor team of Mattias Ekstrom/Emil Bergkvist followed by teammates Mitch Guthrie/Kellon Walch and the Mini of Guillaume de Mévius an Mathieu Baumel, the event didn’t start on the best of notes for Henk Lategan, who suffered a puncture after two kilometres and finished down in 47th place.
Looping to and from Yanbu once again, stage one stretches 305 km and will reportedly take place over rocky terrain, with a few small dunes thrown in for good measure.
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