TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is preparing to face its first gravel challenge of the 2026 South African National Rally Championship this weekend, as the series moves to the Western Cape for the Swartland Rally based in Malmesbury.
As Round 2 of the season, the event marks a sharp shift in character from the opening all-tar round. The Swartland Rally is known for its quick, flowing gravel sections mixed with technical, rhythm-breaking corners that demand absolute commitment and adaptability. Over two demanding days, crews will tackle around 80 kilometres of competitive stages per day, linked by more than 200 kilometres of liaison sections that test both endurance and concentration.
TGRSA returns with its Toyota GR Yaris rally car, once again piloted by motoring journalist Mark Jones alongside navigator Kes Naidoo. The pair opened their 2026 campaign on a strong note, finishing sixth overall and second in class at the season opener, a result that offered promise while highlighting how much more development lies ahead.
This weekend, however, represents unfamiliar territory for Jones, who steps into gravel competition for the first time.
“This will be my first time properly on gravel,” he said ahead of the event. “The tar rally gave us a good starting point, but this is really where the learning begins. Swartland is known for being very fast, so it’s going to be a big step up.”
Adding to the challenge is a significantly updated version of the GR Yaris rally car. The team has introduced a sequential gearbox in place of the previous manual transmission, alongside revised suspension components designed to improve travel and stability on rough surfaces. The changes represent a meaningful step in the car’s ongoing development programme.
“We’ve made quite a few changes to the car,” Jones explained. “It’s going to look different and feel very different to drive. But we haven’t had much time to test, so a lot of what we learn will happen during the rally itself.”
Despite the upgrades, expectations remain firmly grounded. Rather than chasing outright results, the focus is on adaptation, consistency, and building experience on a surface that rewards confidence but punishes mistakes.
“The goal is still to get the car to the end,” Jones added. “We’re not chasing podiums at this stage. With a strong field and a new surface to deal with, it’s about learning, building confidence and having a clean run.”
Weather forecasts suggest warm and mostly dry conditions across the weekend, although recent rainfall in the region could leave certain sections of the route damp or muddy. That variability may add an extra layer of complexity to an already demanding rally, where grip levels can change without warning.
With a competitive entry list and a reputation for testing both man and machine, the Swartland Rally is set to be a stern examination for the TGRSA crew. Yet it also offers something equally valuable: a real-world benchmark for progress as the 2026 season gathers momentum.
