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Toyota Dominates Dakar 2025: Al Rajhi Wins, Lategan Takes Second

Toyota celebrated a historic 1-2 finish at the 2025 Dakar Rally, with Yazeed Al Rajhi and Timo Gottschalk claiming victory and Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings securing second place. The intense competition marked another milestone for Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) in the world’s toughest rally-raid event.
Also read: Lategan and Cummings Dominate Stage 8, Extend Dakar Rally Lead
Toyota’s Triumph: A Rally to Remember
The rally saw Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi achieve a dream victory on home soil. Al Rajhi’s triumph also earned him the lead in the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) standings, amassing 70 points after Round 1. His nearest competitor, Lategan, follows with 55 points, while Toyota leads the W2RC manufacturer standings with a 34-point advantage.
For Lategan and Cummings, the race was bittersweet. Despite leading for nine stages, strategic road positioning on the penultimate stage saw them narrowly miss the win by just 3 minutes and 57 seconds. Their performance, however, contributed to Toyota’s exceptional showing at the event.
Key Highlights from Dakar 2025
- Toyota’s Dominance:
Toyota claimed victory in all but four of the rally’s 12 stages and secured four top-10 positions, showcasing the quality and reliability of the Hilux. - Standout Performances:
- Seth Quintero and Dennis Zenz: The Californian-German duo secured 9th place overall despite setbacks, including a tire issue in Stage 4. They earned 28 points toward their W2RC campaign.
- Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleon: The Brazilian-Spanish pair recovered from technical problems to finish 15th overall, winning two stages along the way.
- Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet: The young South African became the youngest stage winner in the Ultimate Class, finishing 29th overall despite significant challenges.
- Notable Retirements:
Veteran Giniel de Villiers retired due to co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz’s health issues, marking his first Dakar withdrawal in 22 entries. Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy also exited after a crash in Stage 9.
Competitor Comments
- Henk Lategan:
“It was bittersweet to miss the win by just four minutes after two weeks of intense racing. However, this podium finish is a great achievement, and we’re motivated to come back stronger next year.” - Seth Quintero:
“After a year of inconsistent results, this rally was a turning point. The team’s effort and support were phenomenal, and I’m thrilled with our performance.” - Lucas Moraes:
“Despite setbacks, we proved our speed and the car’s capabilities. We’re looking forward to improving next year.” - Saood Variawa:
“This year was much tougher than last, but the car’s performance was outstanding. I’m proud to have finished my second Dakar.”
Also read: Lategan Loses Dakar Rally Lead, but Vows to Fight Back
World Rally-Raid Championship Standings (After Round 1)
- Drivers:
- Yazeed Al Rajhi – 70 points
- Henk Lategan – 55 points
- Nasser Al-Attiyah – 48 points
- Manufacturers:
- Toyota Gazoo Racing – 147 points
- Ford M-Sport – 113 points
- The Dacia Sandriders – 95 points
Toyota’s Legacy at Dakar
The 2025 Dakar Rally reinforced Toyota Hilux’s reputation for durability and reliability. Built in South Africa, the Hilux showcased its engineering excellence, winning stages and capturing hearts globally. Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota SA Motors, summed it up:
“To podium, lead the race, and win stages with such a young team is incredible. This Hilux isn’t just a bakkie – it’s a symbol of innovation and performance.”
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