“We are very pleased to announce a team that is very similar to last year. With Nasser and Giniel heading up our attack, and Henk gaining confidence, we are excited to take on the 2022 edition of the Dakar Rally. Our new GR DKR Hilux T1+ is progressing well, and we are confident that the new car will allow us to compete on a new level, come January.”
Nasser Al-Attiyah:
“I am very happy to be back with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team for Dakar 2022. We won the race together in 2019, and now we have a new bullet coming. I am excited for our prospects, especially with the new GR DKR Hilux T1+, which is definitely faster and more capable than the previous car.”
Giniel de Villiers:
“The Dakar is one of the toughest races on the planet, but it suits our new Hilux perfectly. The new wheels, suspension travel and especially the move to the turbo-powered petrol engine from the Land Cruiser, is sure to make a big difference to our campaign. The engine is highly responsive, and allows us to push the new car to the limit. Saudi has proven to be a worthy host for the race and we expect that this will again be the case in 2022.”
Henk Lategan:
“My first taste of Dakar in 2021 was amazing, but unfortunately, our progress was cut short by a crash in Stage 5. Even so, I am confident that we have the pace to race in the front pack, and fielding a new car with a turbo petrol engine should make for an enticing battle.”
Shameer Variawa:
“Finishing the race in 2021 was a highlight of my career to date, but I also saw opportunities for more pace in the future. Hopefully Dakar 2022 offers the same opportunities, so that I can capitalise on the experience I gained to date.”
Mathieu Baumel:
“The Dakar Rally is an amazing challenge, and I am looking forward to return to Saudi Arabia with Nasser, in order to fight for victory again. The new car is very promising, and if our first tests are anything to go by, the new petrol engine, bigger suspension travel and increased tyre sizes may just bring the additional power, control and puncture-protection that we lacked in the recent past.”
Dennis Murphy:
“For me, racing with Giniel has been highly rewarding in the SACCS. Now, I’ll have a chance to navigate for him in the Dakar, and to make things even better, we’ll be doing so in the new GR DKR Hilux T1+. The car is exciting on many levels, but the increase in tyre diametre, together with bigger suspension travel, will make it not only faster but also safer for the crew.”
Brett Cummings:
“Navigating in the T1+ promises to be somewhat easier, especially with the digital roadbook which is mounted to the dash of the car. In the older specification Hilux, heavy braking and hard acceleration often made it a challenge to read the roadbook. Now, with more suspension travel and bigger tyres, this problem should be mitigated.”
Danie Stassen:
“Competing in Dakar has been a dream for me. Now, I have the opportunity to join Shameer in the world’s toughest race, and I cannot wait for the race to start. We race together in the South African championship, so we know each other well. But Dakar promises to be a much bigger challenge than anything we’ve taken on together before.”
TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY
#242
Driver LeftAkira Miura(Japan)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Winner (2018、2021)
-Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2019, 2020)
Co-driver RightLaurent Lichtleuchter(France)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator Winner (2018、2021)
-Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2019, 2020)
#245
Driver LeftRonald Basso(France)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2021)
−Andalucia Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2020)
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 3rd (2010)
Co-driver RightJean-Michel Polato(France)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2021)
-Andalucia Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2020)
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing IS SUPPORTED BY FOLLOWING PARTNERS:
COMMENT
Glyn Hall, Team Principal:
“We are very pleased to announce a team that is very similar to last year. With Nasser and Giniel heading up our attack, and Henk gaining confidence, we are excited to take on the 2022 edition of the Dakar Rally. Our new GR DKR Hilux T1+ is progressing well, and we are confident that the new car will allow us to compete on a new level, come January.”
Nasser Al-Attiyah:
“I am very happy to be back with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team for Dakar 2022. We won the race together in 2019, and now we have a new bullet coming. I am excited for our prospects, especially with the new GR DKR Hilux T1+, which is definitely faster and more capable than the previous car.”
Giniel de Villiers:
“The Dakar is one of the toughest races on the planet, but it suits our new Hilux perfectly. The new wheels, suspension travel and especially the move to the turbo-powered petrol engine from the Land Cruiser, is sure to make a big difference to our campaign. The engine is highly responsive, and allows us to push the new car to the limit. Saudi has proven to be a worthy host for the race and we expect that this will again be the case in 2022.”
Henk Lategan:
“My first taste of Dakar in 2021 was amazing, but unfortunately, our progress was cut short by a crash in Stage 5. Even so, I am confident that we have the pace to race in the front pack, and fielding a new car with a turbo petrol engine should make for an enticing battle.”
Shameer Variawa:
“Finishing the race in 2021 was a highlight of my career to date, but I also saw opportunities for more pace in the future. Hopefully Dakar 2022 offers the same opportunities, so that I can capitalise on the experience I gained to date.”
Mathieu Baumel:
“The Dakar Rally is an amazing challenge, and I am looking forward to return to Saudi Arabia with Nasser, in order to fight for victory again. The new car is very promising, and if our first tests are anything to go by, the new petrol engine, bigger suspension travel and increased tyre sizes may just bring the additional power, control and puncture-protection that we lacked in the recent past.”
Dennis Murphy:
“For me, racing with Giniel has been highly rewarding in the SACCS. Now, I’ll have a chance to navigate for him in the Dakar, and to make things even better, we’ll be doing so in the new GR DKR Hilux T1+. The car is exciting on many levels, but the increase in tyre diametre, together with bigger suspension travel, will make it not only faster but also safer for the crew.”
Brett Cummings:
“Navigating in the T1+ promises to be somewhat easier, especially with the digital roadbook which is mounted to the dash of the car. In the older specification Hilux, heavy braking and hard acceleration often made it a challenge to read the roadbook. Now, with more suspension travel and bigger tyres, this problem should be mitigated.”
Danie Stassen:
“Competing in Dakar has been a dream for me. Now, I have the opportunity to join Shameer in the world’s toughest race, and I cannot wait for the race to start. We race together in the South African championship, so we know each other well. But Dakar promises to be a much bigger challenge than anything we’ve taken on together before.”