Toyota

“Historic for a Saudi driver!”  

The key to success in the Dakar: be consistent. Yazeed Al Rajhi seems to have learned well from his past experiences. While he didn't win a stage in 2022, he never finished outside the top five from day three onwards and finished on the podium for the first time in his career. Third, behind the " furious " duo Al Attiyah-Loeb, the Saudi took a step forward during the last edition. He debuted on the rally in 2015 and immediately caused a sensation, winning his first special stage in a Toyota Hilux on day eight before retiring, when in third place. He then had an inconclusive stint with X-Raid behind the wheel of a Mini before returning to Overdrive in route to this precious podium. Once again, the 41-year-old will be one of the favourites after a complete season that saw him finish third in the FIA World Rally Championship and win the Baja World Cup. To his right in the cockpit of the Hilux T1+, Al Rajhi will once again rely on his WRC co-driver: Michael Orr.  

Y.A.R.: “As a child, I was interested in every form of motorsport. The Dakar has always been dear to me with this sense of adventure. I dreamt of being part of it one day. The Dakar is a demanding race with an incredible history. Competing in this rally means battling against the best. But also, the elements and yourself. This new season starting with the last Dakar was totally different and unique for us with the T1+ regulations. Our car allowed us to fight for the podium every time. Finishing third in the last Dakar is a historic result for a Saudi driver.”