Rally ace set to sign off on the Dakar

DE VILLIERS: TOYOTA HOPE TO GIVE FORMER WINNER A PROPER SEND-OFF IN 2025 DESERT CLASSIC

- Jaco van der Merwe

Giniel de Villiers is ready to sign off his remarkable Dakar Rally career in style in 2025.

Not only is De Villiers reunited with his long-time German navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz, but Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is also very confident in their Hilux for the dozen stages which covers 5000km in Saudi Arabia in January.

It is the first time four South African drivers start the Dakar for TGRSA.

Joining De Villiers is local cross-country champion Henk Lategan, co-driver Brett Cummings, Guy Botterill and navigator Denis Murphy and Saood Variawa and French co-driver Francois Cazalet.

Botterill and Variawa made their debuts this year, finishing sixth and 17th respectively, while Lategan was forced to miss out due to a shoulder injury.

In stark contrast, De Villiers has lined up for the Dakar more times than the 19-year-old Variawa has had birthdays. He returns for the 22nd time after finishing his first 21 races, an overall Dakar record for most consecutive finishes.

Making De Villiers' run even more remarkable is the fact that he has finished in the top 10 no less than 20 times. This includes eight podiums, with his win in 2009 the highlight.