Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa has made the decision to withdraw this year’s Silk Way Rally, in order to focus on the development of their Toyota Hilux, with Dakar 2018 in mind. Both Giniel de Villiers and Leeroy Poulter were originally scheduled to compete in the mammoth event, but will now no longer take part.
“It is not a decision we have taken lightly, as we value the Silk Way Rally as one of the toughest events on the international cross-country racing calendar,” explains Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team Principal, Glyn Hall. “However, the expected rule changes by the FIA have not been implemented in time for the 2017 race, and as such we would rather now shift our focus to the further development of our car for 2018.”
Toyota Gazoo Racing SA have decided to allocate its remaining budget for 2017 to projects that directly benefit the development of the 2018 Toyota Hilux.
Since Toyota Gazoo Racing SA shares infrastructure with Belgian outfit Overdrive Racing on international events, Overdrive Racing has decided to also withdraw the entry for Nasser Al Attiyah from this year’s Silkway Rally.
Back on home soil, Toyota Gazoo Racing SA dominated the Toyota 1 000 Desert Race, one of Africa’s most iconic motor races. After a tough, three-day battle, former Dakar winner Giniel de Villiers, partnered with navigator Dennis Murphy, emerged triumphant.
Source: Toyota SA