Double podium result for Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC in Dubai
Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC (TGR W2RC) turned the page on a successful 2025 season with a double podium on the Dubai International Baja on Saturday (22 November). The event also marked the beginning of a new era begin with the rally-raid debut of the new DKR GR Hilux, ahead of its Dakar Rally debut in 2026.
Just five weeks after claiming their fourth successive manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the team were back in action for the final round of the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup as their preparations for the 2026 Dakar Rally stepped up a gear.
The Dubai International Baja began on Friday afternoon with a short Prologue stage in the Hajar Mountains in Hatta, before a ceremonial start, close to the Dubai Festival City Mall service park. The action proper took place on Saturday and Sunday in the dunes of the Al Qudra desert south of Dubai city.
Seth Quintero and navigator Andrew Short finished second at the wheel of the new DKR GR Hilux, making its first competitive appearance. As well as sharing the powerful appearance of the ninth generation Hilux pick-up revealed earlier this month, TGR W2RC’s DKR GR Hilux features an updated tubular chassis for increased torsional stiffness, reduced weight and a reinforced transmission.
It set the early pace, recording the fastest times in the Prologue and Stage 1. However, Quintero and Short missed out on victory due to a five-minute penalty for speeding on a road section during the opening stage.
As well as the new vehicle, TGR W2RC welcomed a new face behind the wheel of a 2025-specification Hilux EVO. Toby Price, a two-time Dakar Rally winner on two wheels, finished third alongside Armand Monleón. He adapted quickly to four wheels and ended the event with the fastest time on Stage 2 on his way to a podium finish.
After a promising debut for the DKR GR Hilux, TGR W2RC will now accelerate their preparations for the Dakar Rally, the opening round of the 2026 W2RC season, which takes place in Saudi Arabia on 3-17 January.
Team quotes
Seth Quintero: “This has been a really good test for us and the new DKR GR Hilux. To complete around 400 kilometres of intense racing with no issues on a new car is impressive and to be on the podium even after an unfortunate penalty is huge. We have to take the penalty and we are going learn from it because it cost us the win, which is a little upsetting. On the bright side the car is amazing. We’ve made good progress; it’s comfortable and the speed is there. I’m feeling very confident in this car already. We will continue to work and be ready for Dakar 2026.”
Toby Price: “It’s been a very positive weekend. I learned a lot during my first time in the car with Armand. I feel like the motorcycle background we both share really helped, which is a strong bonus for us. We leave Dubai having learned a lot, with a podium and a stage win, which was a dream. Step by step, we’ll keep building on this, gaining a better understanding of how the car reacts and drives. Hopefully, we’ll only get stronger and have a good run at Dakar. Big thanks to the whole team. everyone’s been great to work with, and I’m really looking forward to the future.”
Dubai International Baja – provisional result
| 1 | 200 | J.Yacopini / D. Oliveras (SVR) | 6:04:32.5 |
| 2 | 206 | S. Quintero / A. Short (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC) | +1:05.9 |
| 3 | 212 | T. Price / A. Monleón (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC) | +3:00.1 |
| 4 | 205 | M. Prokop / V. Chytka (Orlen Jipocar Team) | +10:13.5 |
| 5 | 400 | M. Van den Brink / B. Van Heun (South Racing Can-Am) | +25:26.7 |
| 6 | 202 | D. Akeel / S. Delaunay (Overdrive Racing) | +26:51.7 |
| 7 | 404 | H. Lategan / B. Cummings (South Racing Can-Am) | +29:45.2 |
| 8 | 410 | M. Al Helei / M. Hamri (RX-Sport) | +30:14.9 |
| 9 | 405 | E. Van Loon / W. Rosegaar (South Racing Can-Am) | +34:01.9 |
| 10 | 305 | D. Mabbs / D. McBride (David Mabbs) | +43:25.0 |
ENDS
