December 5, 2024
Eurol teams ready for Dakar 2025
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA)
This year, TGRSA will field a team of four cars in the T1+ class. All cars will race in the latest version of the Toyota GR DKR Hilux Evo. Although the 2025 version remains true to the proven and reliable base design that has already achieved multiple victories, some refinements have been made. The cars will be equipped with the best lubricants, including Eurol Specialty Racing 0W-40 engine oil, Eurol Specialty Racing 75W-140 transmission oil, Racing brake fluid, and various Specialty greases. These lubricants have also played a key role in reducing wear and improving performance in previous Dakar victories.
Strong lineup for the Toyota factory team
Among the Toyota participants are former Dakar winner Giniel de Villiers with navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz, Henk Lategan with navigator Brett Cummings, Guy Botterill with navigator Dennis Murphy, and Saood Variawa with navigator Francois Cazalet. Young rally talent Henk Lategan had to withdraw last year due to a shoulder injury, but has proven to be back in top form after winning the South African rally-raid championship. Guy Botterill, who finished as the best rookie with a sixth-place finish in the overall standings last year, has already demonstrated his potential.
No Jongbloed hybrid trucks
The Jongbloed Dakar team, which would normally participate with two hybrid trucks, unfortunately will not take part in this edition of the Dakar Rally. In addition to experienced driver Gert Huzink, his cousin Kay Huzink was set to make his debut in the toughest rally in the world. However, due to recently adjusted rules by the international FIA, which impose the same requirements on hybrid trucks as on hybrid cars, it is technically not feasible to implement these modifications in time.
Changes at Eurol Rally Sport
Many changes have taken place at Eurol Rally Sport this year. After securing an excellent third position and being the best Dutchman in the 2024 Dakar Rally, Mitchel van den Brink has decided to completely change course. Together with his father Martin van den Brink, he will start with two completely new Iveco trucks from MM-Technology, the company of Dakar winner Martin Macik. The goal? To win Dakar!
These trucks are approximately 1,000 kg lighter and are equipped with the latest technologies that have already proven themselves in the Dakar Rally in recent years. Both trucks will use Eurol Specialty Racing 10W-60 engine oil, Racing 75W-140 transmission oil, Racing ATF, various Specialty greases, and additives. We are proud to be the main sponsor and name sponsor of this top team from the Netherlands.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA team:
Henk Lategan – Brett Cummings
Guy Botterill – Dennis Murphy
Giniel de Villiers – Dirk von Zitzewitz
Saood Variawa – Francois Gazet
The Eurol Rally Sport team
Mitchel van den Brink – Jarno van der Pol – Moises Torrallardona
Martin van den Brink – Richard Mouw – Bart van Heun