Toyota Gazoo Racing partners with South African Safari Rally to showcase W2RC in Southern Africa

Bringing the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) to South Africa is an ambitious undertaking, and as the countdown to the inaugural South African Safari Rally ticks down to 18-24 May 2025, the critical role of key partners and sponsors emerges as vital to the event’s success. Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has stepped in as the official partner for this momentous occasion, heralding an exciting new chapter in the motorsport landscape of Southern Africa.

Archie Rutherford, CEO of the South African Safari Rally, emphasised the essential partnerships that underpin such grand events. “Hosting a round of the World Rally-Raid Championship in South Africa this year would be impossible without the support and backing of our partners and sponsors. We are especially grateful to Toyota Gazoo Racing as the official partner of the inaugural South African Safari Rally,” he expressed. “Their massive contribution to rally-raid has elevated the standard of the sport both domestically and internationally, allowing us to deliver a world-class experience for competitors and spectators alike.”

Toyota Gazoo Racing is well-renowned as Toyota’s global motorsport division, pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering across multiple platforms. From the World Rally Championship (WRC) to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and now the W2RC, TGR has solidified its legacy as a beacon of innovation and success in motorsport.

TGR’s role is augmented by Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA), which has been instrumental in crafting and refining the GR Hilux EVO, a formidable player in global rally-raid racing. Well-manufactured in South Africa, the Hilux has seen significant success in the Dakar Rally, embodying the qualities of durability and reliability necessary to weather the most gruelling conditions on the planet.

“Building on our extensive Dakar and rally-raid heritage, TGR and TGRSA are proud to welcome the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship to South Africa. Our commitment to the Safari Rally is a testament to our dedication to spreading rally-raid racing in the country while showcasing the awe-inspiring landscapes and technical stages South Africa has to offer,” noted Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing, Toyota South Africa.

Toyota Gazoo Racing partners with South African Safari Rally to showcase W2RC in Southern Africa

The South African Safari Rally also stands as a significant marker of Toyota’s long-term investment in rally-raid as it presents an opportunity to showcase top-tier international motorsport in the heartland of Africa.

Toyota’s rally-raid heritage, deeply rooted in the challenging terrain of the Dakar Rally, has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s unique off-road culture. Since entering the Dakar Rally in the early 2010s, TGR has consistently captured prominence in the world’s toughest motorsport event. With three victories in the Dakar Rally (2019, 2022, 2023) and additional runner-up positions, TGR has proven the prowess of the technically advanced GR Hilux EVO T1+.

Notably, SVR Racing, situated in Kyalami, Gauteng, plays a pivotal role by facilitating Toyota Gazoo South Africa to offer a Proudly South African-built race vehicle, striving to set new standards in the international racing arena. This partnership exemplifies the collaboration between local ingenuity and global motorsport ambitions.

As TGR continues its participation in the W2RC, WRC, and WEC, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to pioneering innovation and performance, consistently refining its vehicles to tackle the world’s most challenging terrains. With the South African Safari Rally on the horizon, TGR and TGRSA are poised to welcome international competitors to a thrilling display of endurance and excellence in rally-raid racing.

The closing date for entries to the South African Safari Rally is 30 April 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark event in South Africa’s motorsport calendar.