The 2025 Dakar Rally delivered a thrilling spectacle as Toyota cemented its dominance in the world’s toughest rally-raid event. Saudi Arabian driver Yazeed Al Rajhi, alongside his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, claimed an extraordinary victory on home soil in their Toyota Hilux, edging out TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s (TGR) Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings by a mere 3 minutes and 57 seconds after two grueling weeks of competition.
A Historic Victory for Al Rajhi
For Al Rajhi, winning the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia was a career-defining moment. His consistent performance across the 12-stage event not only earned him the top spot on the podium but also propelled him to the lead of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) standings with 70 points. The triumph underscores Toyota’s reliability and competitive edge, with the Hilux proving itself against the harshest terrains and toughest competitors.
“Winning the Dakar Rally on home soil is a dream come true,” said Al Rajhi. “This victory is a testament to the incredible team effort and the durability of the Toyota Hilux.”
Lategan and Cummings: A Close Second
South African duo Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings demonstrated their mettle throughout the rally, taking an early lead after winning the Prologue in Bisha and holding it for nine stages. Despite their valiant efforts, a challenging penultimate stage saw them relinquish the lead, ultimately finishing second overall.
“It was a bittersweet race for us,” Lategan reflected. “We gave it our all and came so close. Still, a podium finish at Dakar is a fantastic achievement, and we’ll be back stronger next year.”
Their performance also keeps TGR in a strong position for the W2RC, with Lategan trailing Al Rajhi by just 15 points in the driver standings.
Moraes and Monleon: A Stage-Winning Comeback
Brazil’s Lucas Moraes and Spanish co-driver Armand Monleon endured a challenging Dakar after an early setback involving a damaged damper and time penalties. However, their determination paid off with two stage wins, including a resounding victory in the final stage. Despite finishing 15th overall, their resilience secured 18 points in the W2RC standings.
“We live and learn,” said Moraes. “Our stage wins show the potential of the car and our team. We’ll take these lessons forward.”
Quintero and Variawa: Young Talent Shines
Californian Seth Quintero, partnered with Dennis Zenz, claimed two stage wins and secured a respectable ninth place overall, despite setbacks that included a tire disaster in Stage 4. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Saood Variawa, at just 21 years old, made history as the youngest stage winner in the Ultimate Class. Although he faced challenges, including a collision and mechanical issues, Variawa’s grit and determination shone through, earning him valuable points for his W2RC campaign.
Toyota’s Commanding Performance
Toyota’s performance at the 2025 Dakar Rally was nothing short of remarkable. The team claimed victory in eight of the 12 stages, secured four spots in the overall Top 10, and delivered a 1-2 finish. The results underscore the unmatched reliability, durability, and performance of the GR Hilux EVO, which continues to set benchmarks in motorsport and beyond.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, praised the team’s efforts: “This was a proud moment for Toyota and South Africa. The Hilux, built and supported by South Africans, once again proved its prowess on the global stage.”
Looking Ahead
As the first round of the 2025 W2RC, the Dakar Rally has set the stage for an exciting season. Toyota leads the manufacturer standings with a 34-point advantage over its nearest rival. With Al Rajhi, Lategan, and an array of talented drivers pushing the limits, the competition promises to deliver more thrills as the championship unfolds.
For Toyota, the journey doesn’t end here. The team remains committed to its ethos of “ever-better” vehicles, refining the GR Hilux EVO to maintain its dominance in rally-raid and continue delivering excellence for its customers.
2025 Dakar Rally Highlights:
Final Standings:
- Y. Al Rajhi / T. Gottschalk (Toyota) – 52h 52m 15s
- H. Lategan / B. Cummings (Toyota) – +03:57
- M. Ekström / E. Bergkvist (Ford) – +20:21
Stage 12 Results:
- L. Moraes / A. Monleon (Toyota) – 54m 14s
- N. Al-Attiyah / E. Boulanger (Dacia) – +01:33
- H. Lategan / B. Cummings (Toyota) – +02:11
Toyota’s Dakar 2025 triumph reaffirms its place at the pinnacle of rally-raid motorsport, showcasing the perfect blend of engineering excellence and human determination.
