The 2025 Dakar Rally proved to be a memorable event for Toyota Gazoo Racing, with the South African-built Toyota Gazoo Hilux securing a remarkable 1-2 finish. Saudi hero Yazeed Al-Rajhi, alongside co-driver Timo Gottschalk, clinched the win by just under four minutes, with South Africans Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings finishing second in their Toyota Gazoo Hilux.
Heartbreak for Lategan and Cummings
While Al-Rajhi’s victory was a celebrated home win, it was a bittersweet result for Lategan and Cummings. Their near victory was marred by a late-stage penalty due to a wrong route instruction, which left them with a deficit significantly larger than the time they lost on the final stage. Nevertheless, the duo’s performance throughout the event, including winning the prologue, kept them in contention for the top spot.
2025 Dakar Rally: Stage Wins and Toyota’s Dominance
The 2025 Dakar Rally saw Toyota’s dominance shine, with the Gazoo Hilux securing eight stage wins, more than any other manufacturer. Among the key highlights, Lategan and Cummings’ Toyota claimed stage wins, and the team’s resilience was evident as they led after the first week. Despite setbacks, their consistent performances in the stages propelled them to the podium.
Other South African Crews Shine
South African-built vehicles continued to impress, with several teams showing outstanding performances. Saood Variawa and François Cazalet, driving their Toyota Hilux, finished in 15th place, while the Red-Lined REVO+ entries, including Aliyyah Koloc and Sebastien Delaunay, secured strong finishes, with Koloc even achieving an impressive eighth place earlier in the rally.
In the midst of the success, another South African team worth mentioning was Daniel Schröder and Henry Köhne, whose WCT Amarok entered the top ten several times, achieving a remarkable fourth-place finish on one stage.
Tough Competition and Retirements
Although Toyota and South African-built vehicles dominated the field, the rally was not without its fair share of retirements. Some of the biggest names in the rallying world, including Sébastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz, faced setbacks and were sent home after inspections. South African Dakar legend Giniel de Villiers also called it quits after his co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz suffered neck pain, marking a tough end to a gruelling rally for the team.
Impressive Performances from Other Categories
The Dakar Rally wasn’t just about the cars; the two-wheelers also witnessed some incredible performances. South African Michael Docherty, aboard his KTM, claimed a second bike win on Friday, marking a significant achievement for the Rally GP machines. Australian Daniel Sanders, on the other hand, led the bike race from start to finish to secure KTM’s 20th Dakar victory.
In the side-by-side and truck categories, South African teams also left their mark. Puck Klaassen and Charan Moore showcased their talent, despite encountering some challenges along the way. In the T4 Challenger category, Argentine duo Nicolás Cavigliasso and Valentina Pertegarini dominated, while the trucks were won by Martin Macik and his crew, who secured a victory by over two hours.
SA-Built Toyota Gazoo Hilux: Landmark Dakar for SA Crews
The 2025 Dakar Rally was a triumph for South African-built vehicles, with Toyota’s Hilux and other local creations making their mark in one of the toughest races on the planet. Lategan and Cummings’ near-victory, combined with multiple stage wins, demonstrated the strength of the South African motorsport industry, leaving a significant legacy for future events.
Related article: Formula 1 2025 Calendar: F1 Must-Watch Races and Exciting Events You Can’t Miss
