On September 30, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium, Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC (TGR W2RC) achieved a remarkable victory in Stage 2 of the Rallye du Maroc, positioning itself as a strong contender for the overall championship title after an intense day of competition across challenging terrains in the penultimate round of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The stage, which stretched over 300 kilometers, presented formidable challenges under scorching temperatures surpassing 30°C, with fluctuating conditions that put both the drivers and their DKR GR Hilux vehicles to the test.
The route of Stage 2 commenced at an altitude exceeding 1,000 meters, beginning southwest of Zagora and featuring a steep descent along rocky paths before transitioning into sandy stretches through arid riverbeds. Following a series of sand dunes, the stage continued eastward, alternating between slow, rugged surfaces and soft sand until the final stretch. Despite the obstacles, TGR W2RC demonstrated impressive resilience, with two of their vehicles securing positions in the top ten as they set their sights on the podium.
Driver Henk Lategan and his co-driver Brett Cummings, who started the stage ranked 10th, aggressively pursued victory from the outset. They seized the lead within the first half of the stage, briefly dropped to second, but then regained the top position just before the finish, ultimately claiming a stage win that propelled their #202 DKR GR Hilux to second place overall, trailing the leaders Lucas Moraes and Pablo Moreno of Dacia Sandriders by a mere 28 seconds.
Meanwhile, Seth Quintero and navigator Andrew Short began Stage 2 in seventh place but faced early setbacks that impacted their pace. However, they strategically minimized the time lost, finishing the stage in seventh place and maintaining their overall standing within three minutes of the podium. Akira Miura and Armand Monleón also continued to build on their promising start, finishing Stage 2 in 15th place and moving up to 14th overall in their #204 DKR GR Hilux.
With three more days and over 1,000 kilometers of competition ahead, the rally resumes on Thursday with Stage 3, which includes a loop around Zagora, touching the northern edge of the Sahara Desert on a 591-kilometer route featuring a timed section of 363 kilometers. The drivers remain resilient and focused as they navigate the extensive challenges of the rally.
Quotes from the Drivers:
Henk Lategan: “Today was much better than yesterday. The car was performing excellently throughout, and we managed to avoid any mechanical issues. Our goal was to stay in the car and keep our pace without encountering punctures or other problems. I’m thrilled with our performance and excited to be back in contention.”
Seth Quintero: “It was a fair day for us, although we encountered some navigation issues that cost us time. We’re five minutes behind the overall leader, which is not ideal, but we will work to improve our standing. Henk's win is fantastic for the team, and we aim to maintain our edge over our championship rivals.”
Akira Miura: “The stage was challenging as we had to adjust our speed according to the terrain to manage risks effectively. Although it wasn't easy, we navigated through without issues. The dunes were particularly enjoyable, and we are eager to maintain consistency and gain more experience as the rally progresses.”
As reported by newsroom.toyota.eu.
