Toyota Gazoo Racing team preps for Dakar Rally

The Toyota Gazoo Racing team are in the final steps of preparation for the world’s toughest cross-country race.

The Dakar Rally will take place in January 2021, and the cars and equipment used by the team will soon be sent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via the United Arab Emirates before the race.

“All the cars have been completely rebuilt over the past few weeks, and the team is adding the final few touches before everything will be packed onto pallets and into containers,” commented Team Principal Glyn Hall. “We still have loads of work to do, but we have a very competent and dedicated team that is doing everything in order to meet the various deadlines.”

Hall explained that there are number of factors that result in a win at the Rally.

“We have a good team in terms of experience and youthful talent when it comes to the drivers and the navigators, and over the past decade the Hilux has proved that it has the pace and reliability it needs to win the race,” he said.

“But there will also be a few new factors at play. A number of officials and competitors felt that the 2020 race was too fast, and perhaps not technical enough. Some of these issues have been addressed for the 2021 race, which should level the playing field a little more. Another innovation for 2021 is the fact that crews will only receive a digital copy of the roadbook a mere 20 minutes before the start.”

The cars will be shipped to Saudi Arabia where they will be reassembled by the crew before the technical checks ahead of the race proper on January, 3.

Picture: Toyota