Report on the 2020 Dakar Rally - 2 (Stage3-6) One week left to go!

Teams face challenges but performance remains strong

After six days of traversing some 3,700km of grueling terrain, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing teams made it to the end of Stage 6, which was followed by a day of rest that gave drivers and co-drivers time to relax and technicians time to prep the Hilux’s for another week of rigorous competition.

The first 5 stages proved especially challenging for the teams: Rocky terrain wreaked havoc on the tires and in Stage 4 Ten Brinke had to contend with not only gearbox problems but also the flu. He then lost time navigating to a waypoint in Stage 5. Despite these difficulties, the teams persevered and maintained their respectable positions.

By Stage 6, the teams had maintained strong overall performances, with all four Hilux’s placing in the stage’s Top 10. During the stage, tires fared better, with only one team, Al-Attiyah/Baumel, suffering one puncture. Despite losing 1min 30sec, they secured an impressive 3rd place. Having recovered from the flu, Ten Brinke was back on top of his game, and with tweaks made to the suspension, he and co-driver Tom Colsoul had a great run and came in 7th, with De Villiers/Haro right behind. Alonso/Coma were the second fastest of the four teams, placing 6th.

Overall rankings as of Stage 6: #300 is in 2nd, #304 in 7th, #307 in 8th, and #310 in 16th.

Toyota was saddened to hear about motorcyclist Paulo Gonçalves who passed away after a heavy crash. A stalwart since 2006, Gonçalves was a Dakar legend. Toyota extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.