Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Impresses in Stage 2 of Dakar 2026

Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) showcased both pace and determination during Stage 2 of the 2026 Dakar Rally, overcoming mechanical setbacks and challenging terrain from Yanbu to AlUla. The stage included a 400 km special section within a total distance of 500 km, testing speed, navigation, and endurance.

João Ferreira Secures Top-Five Finish Despite Early Puncture

João Ferreira and co-driver Filipe Palmeiro (#240) produced a standout performance, finishing fifth on Stage 2. An early slow puncture threatened their progress, but the pair managed repairs efficiently and maintained strong speed through sandy and fast sections.

“Stage two was the longest so far,” Ferreira said. “Despite the rocky start and puncture, we pushed hard and finished P5. It’s a positive result, but Dakar is only just beginning, and we stay focused on the next stage.”

Saood Variawa Shows Front-Running Speed

Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet (#213) ran at the front for much of the day, ultimately finishing 10th after a late puncture slowed their momentum. Variawa highlighted the car’s performance and their competitive pace in challenging conditions.

“Leading most of the stage was encouraging,” Variawa explained. “The puncture cost us time, but we passed several competitors and have a strong starting position for Stage 3.”

Guy Botterill Battles Mechanical Challenges

Guy Botterill and Oriol Mena (#218) faced a grueling day, contending with a puncture and a hydraulic jack failure that left them driving nearly 200 km without power steering. Despite these setbacks, they reached the AlUla bivouac and finished 40th on the stage.

“Tough day, but we managed to complete the stage,” Botterill said. “Changing a tyre without a jack and driving without power steering was exhausting, but Oriol’s notes were perfect, and we only lost around 30 minutes. We did a great job under the circumstances.”

Standings After Stage 2

After two stages, TGRSA crews remain well-placed overall:

• João Ferreira / Filipe Palmeiro (#240) – 6th overall (+2:01)
• Saood Variawa / Francois Cazalet (#213) – 9th overall (+4:34)
• Guy Botterill / Oriol Mena (#218) – 25th overall (+32:46)

Looking Ahead: Stage 3 Challenge

Stage 3 will feature a 421 km loop around AlUla within a total distance of 736 km. With extensive sand sections, limited rocky terrain, and no service route during the stage, precision, endurance, and mechanical sympathy will be crucial as Dakar 2026 continues to test drivers and crews.

TGRSA now turns its focus to the upcoming stage, aiming to maintain consistency, push for strong results, and manage the grueling conditions of the rally.