“To have achieved everything we did in 2023 is an amazing feeling. We won the Dakar Rally, as well as the W2RC titles for a second successive year, thanks to our highly durable and reliable GR DKR Hilux T1+, as well as the skills and dedication of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel. Now, we stand at the start of a new chapter, with our GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U, which promises to raise the bar yet again. Not only that, but we are fortunate to have one of the most competitive driver line-ups in the bivouac, and we simply cannot wait to go racing again. We are excited about the future and look forward to 2024 as our new crews grow into their roles as TGR works drivers. At the same time, we are counting on the experience of Giniel and Dennis, as well as all our technical staff, to guide and nurture our new talents into the future.”
Andrea Carlucci Vice President: Product strategy & Marketing, Toyota Motor Europe:
“We are excited to start the 2024 W2RC with our largest team ever at Dakar, and I’m looking forward to following Seth and Dennis, and Lucas and Armand on their journey with the new GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U.”
Glenn Crompton Vice-President, Marketing: Toyota South Africa Motors:
"The Dakar Rally has a reputation as the toughest automotive race on the planet, and as such it is the perfect place for us to prove the quality, durability and reliability of our Toyota Hilux. We've been working hard to make our GR DKR Hilux EVO even better than its predecessor, and I look forward to seeing the new car in action early in January. "
Lucas Moraes:
“Dakar 2023 was an amazing experience for me. Finishing on the podium at my first attempt was simply amazing, and while it would have been nice to stay in second place to the end, I was ecstatic with third place, too. More importantly, it gives me confidence that I am capable of sustaining the necessary pace over the entirety of the rally and look forward to competing strongly in Dakar 2024. At the same time, I have learnt a lot from my various racing activities this year, and I'm looking forward to expanding on this as part of TGR's W2RC squad for 2024."
Seth Quintero:
“Stepping up from SSVs to the fastest rally-raid cars in the world is very exciting for me. I've basically come through the ranks, and 2024 will be my first chance to compete with all the biggest names in the sport. The new version of the GR DKR Hilux EVO has impressed me, and I'm confident that we'll be able to take the fight to the competition from the get-go.”
Giniel de Villiers:
“The Dakar Rally is undoubtedly the highlight of the year. One of the things that make it so exciting for me, is the fact that I'm closely involved with the development of each new version of the Hilux, and to see it all come together at the race is very satisfying. I remain as competitive as ever and will be aiming for a solid performance come January. I know the car is good, the team is good, and I am inspired to give Dakar 2024 my best shot."
Saood Variawa:
“I'm so excited about taking on the Dakar Rally for the first time. I've been learning a lot about rally-raid racing this year, and constantly finding ways to improve, especially in the dunes. My experience with the new GR DKR Hilux EVO has been limited but very positive. The car is simply superb, and I can't wait to go racing in Saudi Arabia."
Guy Botterill:
“To me, taking part in my first Dakar Rally is a life-long dream that has come true. I'm a fairly new rally-raid convert, having come from the world of rallying. Even so, I feel confident with the car as I've been racing it all year in the SARRC. Now, it is time to step up to the biggest race of them all, and I'm excited to have Brett beside me in the car. His experience will be invaluable, as we aim to finish Dakar 2024.”
TEAM LAND CRUISER TOYOTA AUTO BODY
#500
Akira Miura
Mayeul Barbet
Driver LeftAkira Miura(Japan)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally Winner (2011, 2015, 2019, 2022)
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Winner (2018、2021、2022)
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2019, 2020)
Co-driver RightMayeul Barbet(France)
Career Highlights
−Joined TLC in 2023. The 2024 rally will be his first Dakar Rally as a member of the TLC team.
#501
Ronald Basso
Jean-Michel Polato
Driver LeftRonald Basso(France)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Winner (2023)
-Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2021,2022)
-Andalucia Rally, Production Vehicles 2nd (2020)
-Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles 3rd (2010)
Co-driver RightJean-Michel Polato(France)
Career Highlights
−Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Winner (2023)
-Dakar Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2021,2022)
-Andalucia Rally, Production Vehicles Navigator 2nd (2020)
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing IS SUPPORTED BY FOLLOWING PARTNERS:
COMMENT
Alain Dujardyn
TGR W2RC Team Principal:
“To have achieved everything we did in 2023 is an amazing feeling. We won the Dakar Rally, as well as the W2RC titles for a second successive year, thanks to our highly durable and reliable GR DKR Hilux T1+, as well as the skills and dedication of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel. Now, we stand at the start of a new chapter, with our GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U, which promises to raise the bar yet again. Not only that, but we are fortunate to have one of the most competitive driver line-ups in the bivouac, and we simply cannot wait to go racing again. We are excited about the future and look forward to 2024 as our new crews grow into their roles as TGR works drivers. At the same time, we are counting on the experience of Giniel and Dennis, as well as all our technical staff, to guide and nurture our new talents into the future.”
Andrea Carlucci
Vice President: Product strategy & Marketing, Toyota Motor Europe:
“We are excited to start the 2024 W2RC with our largest team ever at Dakar, and I’m looking forward to following Seth and Dennis, and Lucas and Armand on their journey with the new GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U.”
Glenn Crompton
Vice-President, Marketing: Toyota South Africa Motors:
"The Dakar Rally has a reputation as the toughest automotive race on the planet, and as such it is the perfect place for us to prove the quality, durability and reliability of our Toyota Hilux. We've been working hard to make our GR DKR Hilux EVO even better than its predecessor, and I look forward to seeing the new car in action early in January. "
Lucas Moraes:
“Dakar 2023 was an amazing experience for me. Finishing on the podium at my first attempt was simply amazing, and while it would have been nice to stay in second place to the end, I was ecstatic with third place, too. More importantly, it gives me confidence that I am capable of sustaining the necessary pace over the entirety of the rally and look forward to competing strongly in Dakar 2024. At the same time, I have learnt a lot from my various racing activities this year, and I'm looking forward to expanding on this as part of TGR's W2RC squad for 2024."
Seth Quintero:
“Stepping up from SSVs to the fastest rally-raid cars in the world is very exciting for me. I've basically come through the ranks, and 2024 will be my first chance to compete with all the biggest names in the sport. The new version of the GR DKR Hilux EVO has impressed me, and I'm confident that we'll be able to take the fight to the competition from the get-go.”
Giniel de Villiers:
“The Dakar Rally is undoubtedly the highlight of the year. One of the things that make it so exciting for me, is the fact that I'm closely involved with the development of each new version of the Hilux, and to see it all come together at the race is very satisfying. I remain as competitive as ever and will be aiming for a solid performance come January. I know the car is good, the team is good, and I am inspired to give Dakar 2024 my best shot."
Saood Variawa:
“I'm so excited about taking on the Dakar Rally for the first time. I've been learning a lot about rally-raid racing this year, and constantly finding ways to improve, especially in the dunes. My experience with the new GR DKR Hilux EVO has been limited but very positive. The car is simply superb, and I can't wait to go racing in Saudi Arabia."
Guy Botterill:
“To me, taking part in my first Dakar Rally is a life-long dream that has come true. I'm a fairly new rally-raid convert, having come from the world of rallying. Even so, I feel confident with the car as I've been racing it all year in the SARRC. Now, it is time to step up to the biggest race of them all, and I'm excited to have Brett beside me in the car. His experience will be invaluable, as we aim to finish Dakar 2024.”