Victory for TGR’s Lucas Moraes at 2024 Rally dos Sertões

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Lucas Moraes and co-driver Kaíque Bentivoglio have triumphed in the 2024 Rally dos Sertões, sealing an emphatic overall victory after winning the final stage of the competition. The pair, driving the Toyota GR DKR Hilux No323, completed the rally with a total time of 24h 21m 50s, finishing 16m 7s ahead of their nearest rivals, Marcelo Gastaldi and Cadu Sachs.

The 2024 Rally dos Sertões began with its fair share of obstacles, as the opening stage was cancelled due to the collapse of a bridge along the planned route. This unexpected start added an element of unpredictability to the race from the outset, setting the tone for what would become a fiercely competitive rally.

Despite the initial disruption, Lucas and Kaíque quickly found their rhythm, securing their first stage victory in the timed section of Stage 2. Their strong start was followed by consistent performances, and though they briefly relinquished the lead in Stage 3, they maintained their pace through various terrains, from fast sandy tracks to narrow, winding farm roads and challenging mountainous sections.

One of the defining moments of their campaign came during the marathon stage, where Lucas and Kaíque demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination. The marathon stage, which limits external support, is often one of the most daunting parts of the rally. However, the duo navigated it flawlessly, winning both legs and solidifying their lead. The performance of the Toyota GR DKR Hilux was instrumental, proving its reliability and endurance under the most demanding conditions.

Stage 6 brought its own set of challenges, including a navigational error early in the stage due to unclear roadbook instructions. Despite this, Lucas and Kaíque recovered quickly, maintaining their composure and finishing strong, which allowed them to keep their overall lead intact. Their determination and ability to adapt to the dynamic conditions of rallying were key factors in their overall success.

In the penultimate stage, Lucas and Kaíque continued to push hard, extending their lead further. Their strategic approach paid off, and they entered the final day of the rally with a comfortable margin, allowing them to manage the race tactically in the last stage.

Stage 8 of the rally, which took place between Formosa, Goiás, and the final destination in Brasília, spanned a total of 498 km, including 225 km of timed special stages. Lucas and Kaíque dominated the final day, finishing the stage in 1h 27m 54s, 25 seconds ahead of the second-placed team of Gastaldi and Sachs. This performance capped off an impressive campaign that saw them take multiple stage victories and consistently maintain their position at the top of the leaderboard.

Throughout the rally, the duo showcased not only speed but also strategic acumen, navigating some of the toughest terrains Brazil has to offer. Their victory in Stage 8, marked by a strong and clean drive, was a fitting conclusion to a rally in which they overcame navigational challenges, navigated complex terrains, and executed a flawless marathon stage.

With this victory, Lucas Moraes has solidified his status as one of the premier rally-raid drivers in the world. His performance in the 2024 Rally dos Sertões serves as a testament to the quality, durability, and reliability of the Toyota GR DKR Hilux, which has now proven its mettle across multiple challenging stages. As the team looks forward to upcoming challenges, including the final round of the W2RC in Morocco, they remain focused on further cementing their legacy in rally-raid racing.

Quotes:

Lucas Moraes: 

“Today, the last stage was a very fast one and also short. We kind of managed the race, and towards the end, we decided to push a little more because we had an alarm on the car, and we didn’t know what to expect. So, we decided to push a little bit just to make sure we could cover all the kilometres as fast as we could, and we managed to win the stage as well. Overall, it was a perfect day. Thank you so much for the help. Yeah, really, really happy.

This rally was a test of endurance and strategy, and our Toyota GR DKR Hilux performed flawlessly throughout. I can’t thank the team enough for their hard work and dedication. Winning the Rally dos Sertões for the third time is an incredible feeling, and doing it with Kaíque makes it even more special.”

Rally dos Sertões 2024 –Stage 8 Results

Rally dos Sertões 2024 – Classifications after Stage 8

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