Toyota has revealed its full entry roster for the 2024 Dakar Rally as five crews will drive the updated GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U for the endurance race in Saudi Arabia.
The team has officially confirmed that veteran South African driver Giniel de Villiers will rejoin the team alongside the recently announced duo of American Seth Quintero and Brazilian Lucas Moraes, who are both new to the team and will take part in the full 2024 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
De Villiers who is the 2009 Dakar winner says the Dakar Rally is without a doubt the most significant event of the year and is convinced he will be among the top contenders in the most recent version of the Hilux.
“The Dakar Rally is undoubtedly the highlight of the year,” he said. “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, who is just 18 years old, is another newcomer to the Japanese outfit. He will be the youngest works driver to ever to compete at the Dakar Rally. Variawa is excited about the opportunity after having participated in several rally-raids in his home country South Africa.
“Stepping up to the fastest rally-raid cars in the world is very exciting for me,” Variawa said. “I’ve basically come through the ranks, and 2024 will be my first chance to compete with all the biggest names in the sport.
“I’m confident that we’ll be able to take the fight to the competition from the get-go.”
Guy Botterill rounds up Toyota’s squad after receiving his maiden Dakar start as a reward for his stellar performance in South African rallying competition.
“To me, taking part in my first Dakar Rally is a life-long dream that has come true,” said Botterill. “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.”
Toyota team principal Alain Dujardyn is optimistic about a third consecutive overall triumph with the final pieces of his team’s Dakar campaign now in place even though Nasser Al-Attiyah, the driver who delivered all of those wins, left the squad.
“We stand at the start of a new chapter,” said Dujardyn. “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.”
Toyota’s new GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U has improved cooling and suspension systems, and it is 100mm wider than the previous model. The 2024 Hilux was unveiled with a striking black paint job alongside Toyota’s new World Rally Championship livery for the GR Yaris.
