“We are very excited about the 2021 edition of the Dakar Rally, especially given the circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reigned in a lot of motorsport during the course of this year. As things stand, the race is set to go ahead early in the New Year, and we are overjoyed to be entering four proudly South African-built and developed Toyota Hilux in the race.”
Nasser Al-Attiyah
“I am so happy to be back at the Dakar, driving the Toyota Hilux again. We won with that car in 2019, and finished second in 2020. Now it is time to go back to Saudi and challenge for victory again.”
Giniel de Villiers
“The Dakar is always a tough race, and last year proved that Saudi Arabia lived up to the toughness of the Dakar. We’re looking forward to taking on the race again in January, and we are ready for another tough challenge in the dunes and tracks of Saudi. The Hilux feels better than ever, and I’m confident that we have the right car for the upcoming race.”
Henk Lategan
“Racing in the Dakar has been a dream for me. Even after winning two championships in South Africa, taking on the world’s toughest race is a daunting prospect. I’m just glad I have Brett with me, who has competed twice at the Dakar already. Having competed in local cross-country rallies in South Africa, I’m very familiar with the Hilux, which helps a lot, too.”
Shameer Variawa
“My previous experience at Dakar left me wanting more from the race. Now, as part of a works team, I’m looking forward to taking on the race again, and I’ll be aiming to learn as much as possible. With that said, I’m also looking to record some good results, and will try to find a balance between speed and strategy early on.”
TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY
#340
Driver LeftAkira Miura (Japan)
Career Highlights
- Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Winner (2018)
- Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2019, 2020)
Navigator RightLaurent Lichtleuchter (France)
Career Highlights
- Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator Winner (2018)
- Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2019, 2020)
#345
Driver LeftRonald Basso (France)
Career Highlights
- Andalucia Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2020)
- Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 3rd (2010)
Navigator RightJean-Michel Polato (France)
Career Highlights
- Andalucia Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2020)
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing IS SUPPORTED BY FOLLOWING PARTNERS:
COMMENT
Glyn Hall, Team Principal
“We are very excited about the 2021 edition of the Dakar Rally, especially given the circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reigned in a lot of motorsport during the course of this year. As things stand, the race is set to go ahead early in the New Year, and we are overjoyed to be entering four proudly South African-built and developed Toyota Hilux in the race.”
Nasser Al-Attiyah
“I am so happy to be back at the Dakar, driving the Toyota Hilux again. We won with that car in 2019, and finished second in 2020. Now it is time to go back to Saudi and challenge for victory again.”
Giniel de Villiers
“The Dakar is always a tough race, and last year proved that Saudi Arabia lived up to the toughness of the Dakar. We’re looking forward to taking on the race again in January, and we are ready for another tough challenge in the dunes and tracks of Saudi. The Hilux feels better than ever, and I’m confident that we have the right car for the upcoming race.”
Henk Lategan
“Racing in the Dakar has been a dream for me. Even after winning two championships in South Africa, taking on the world’s toughest race is a daunting prospect. I’m just glad I have Brett with me, who has competed twice at the Dakar already. Having competed in local cross-country rallies in South Africa, I’m very familiar with the Hilux, which helps a lot, too.”
Shameer Variawa
“My previous experience at Dakar left me wanting more from the race. Now, as part of a works team, I’m looking forward to taking on the race again, and I’ll be aiming to learn as much as possible. With that said, I’m also looking to record some good results, and will try to find a balance between speed and strategy early on.”