Giniel ready to rev it up in Dakar
DAKAR 2018: SOUTH AFRICAN DRIVER HAS A BETTER CAR FOR THIS YEAR
This is De Villiers’ 15th consecutive appearance.
Though he admits he is not the favourite to win the gruelling two-week battle, South African driver Giniel de Villiers is confident of his chances as he chases his second career victory at the Dakar Rally in South America.
Taking advantage of the rule changes for the off-road contest which starts today, De Villiers confirmed his local Toyota Gazoo Racing team had switched to a new mid-engine vehicle with a different weight distribution, making the car lower and lighter.
“Without a turbo we will continue to suffer at high altitudes, and Peugeot is still the team to beat,” De Villiers said.
“But the 2018 Dakar will be demanding right from the start with the dunes in Peru and I really liked it the last time we were there, so I am thrilled there will be more off-road.”
De Villiers was gearing up for his 15th successive appearance at the prestigious race, with his previous performances including seven podium finishes and an historic victory in 2009 with German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz, when he became the first African driver to win the race.
Despite finishing 18th at the Dakar Series China Rally in September, after crashing while leading on the penultimate stage, De Villiers was satisfied with his preparation for the South American contest.
“I hope to win again, but to do that I will have to find the right pace and get lucky,” he said.
De Villiers was set to spearhead the Toyota Gazoo outfit along with two-time former Dakar winner Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar.
The entries in the cars division also featured the South African pairing of Hennie de Klerk and Gerhard Schutte (Volkswagen), while compatriot Robert Howie was listed as the co-driver for Argentine Lucio Alvarez (Toyota).
On the bikes, David Thomas was eager to return on his Husqvarna after breaking his leg in a crash on day five of last year’s race, while fellow SA riders Willem du Toit, Donovan van der Langenberg and Gerry van der Byl were all making their Dakar debuts on KTM bikes.
The first of 14 stages will take the teams 272km from Lima to Pisco in Peru, incorporating a 31km opening special leg.