Toyota Hilux has won the 2022 Dakar Rally with Nasser Al-Attiyah clinching overall victory in a GR DKR Hilux T1+ for the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa team. The Qatari driver crossed the finish line 27 minutes and 46 seconds ahead of France’s nine-time World Rally Champion (WRC) Sébastien Loeb in the Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX) Prodrive Hunter T1+.
Nasser and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel clinched three stage victories during the infamously grueling rally raid event, including the prologue stage on New Year’s Day. He was never in serious danger of losing the lead, despite Loeb also securing two wins along the way. Toyota added a further victory to its tally on the 12th and final stage thanks to South Africa’s Henk Lategan.
Related: Fourth Successive LeMans Win for Toyota Gazoo Racing
This is the second win for Toyota Hilux after the 2019 edition, which was also won by Nasser. The Hilux which shares nothing with the production pick-up, was modified for the new T1+ regulations that allowed for larger wheels and tires and greater suspension travel. The engine has also been switched from the Lexus LC 500‘s 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 to a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 from the new Land Cruiser. As for Nasser, he has now won the Dakar Rally four times, including once with Volkswagen and MINI.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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