Toyota Gazoo Racing prepare for final showdown at the 2024 Rally of Morocco

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) are set to tackle the final round of the 2024 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) at the Rally of Morocco this week (6 -11 October). Two highly skilled crews are competing in race-proven machines, tackling demanding desert terrains and fierce competition.

TGR’s lineup for the Rally of Morocco features Lucas Moraes and co-driver Armand Monleon and Seth Quintero and co-driver Dennis Zenz in a pair of in the Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+. Moraes, one of the rising stars in the world of rally-raid, is making his debut in the Moroccan race. Quintero, known for his speed and determination, will be looking to deliver strong results as he continues to gain experience in the W2RC.

W2RC Standings: aiming for maximum points

With the final round of the W2RC approaching, TGR heads to Morocco looking to close the season on a high note. Lucas Moraes is currently third in the championship, trailing the  leader by 53 points. While the title is out of reach, a strong performance in Morocco could see him move up to second in the final standings. His consistency and ability to tackle the toughest stages have been key to his success this season, and he will be aiming for maximum points to end the year on a high.

Meanwhile, Quintero sits in eighth place. Like Moraes, he is focusing on achieving the best possible result in Morocco. The young American driver has shown enormous potential throughout the season and will be keen to deliver another solid performance.

Rally of Morocco

The Rally of Morocco is regarded as one of the toughest events on the W2RC calendar. This year, the race will cover 1,533 miles with five timed special stages and a short prologue. The terrain will challenge competitors with a combination of vast desert landscapes, sharp mountain passes, expansive dunes, and rocky tracks that test both the drivers’ skill and the durability of their vehicles.

The race kicks off on Sunday (6 October) with a prologue in Marrakesh, setting the scene for five days of action. From 7 October, the real competition begins with stage 1, a loop around Zagora, covering 166 miles of timed racing. This region is famous for its Erg Chegaga dunes, where competitors will be tested by deep sand and tough navigation challenges. The second stage, also based in Zagora, will be a longer special, adding another 196 miles of racing through similarly punishing terrain.

Stage 3 will take the competitors on a point-to-point route, travelling from Zagora to Mengoub-Bouârfa. The stage will take the crews into the dunes of Merzouga, where the soft sands require utmost precision and control.

The final two stages, held around Mengoub-Bouârfa, will serve as a prelude to the grand finale. Stages 4 and 5 enter some of the most sparsely populated areas of the Oriental region, an area known for its rocky, barren landscapes and Dakar-style tracks. Navigational challenges will come to the fore as the terrain offers little in the way of visible markers. The 169-mile timed final stage on 11 October promises to be just as unpredictable as the rest of the race, making it an exciting and nerve-wracking end to the 2024 W2RC season.

A Dakar-style Challenge

The 2024 Rally of Morocco, designed by race director David Castera, is often referred to as a miniature version of the Dakar Rally. With its blend of rocky trails, dunes, and fast sections, the event will provide teams with a demanding rehearsal for the next W2RC season, which kicks off with the 2025 Dakar. As always, the Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+ will be expected to showcase its reliability, durability, and performance across these varied stages, as Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero aim to end their season on a high.

W2RC Driver Standings after Round 4 of 2024

W2RC Manufacturer Standings after Round 3 of 2024

ENDS