TGR prepared for Desafio Ruta 40 as 2024 W2RC season continues
The 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) moves to South America for its fourth round, the Desafio Ruta 40, which will take place in Argentina from June 3 to June 7, 2024. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is gearing up for this crucial stage of the championship, having already demonstrated strong performances in the previous rounds.
The 2024 season kicked off with the iconic Dakar Rally, where TOYOTA GAZOO Racing fielded two young talents, Brazilian Lucas Moraes and American Seth Quintero. Lucas, along with co-driver Armand Monleon, showed promising pace but faced technical setbacks, finishing 9th overall. Seth Quintero and his German co-driver, Dennis Zenz, encountered significant challenges, ultimately scoring minimal points.
The team rebounded at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, with Seth and Dennis achieving a commendable third place overall despite a missed waypoint on the final stage. This performance catapulted Seth into the 8th spot in the W2RC standings. Lucas and Armand, unfortunately, had to withdraw after their car caught fire, ending their hopes of a strong finish.
At the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal and Spain, Lucas and Armand secured a victory on the final stage and finished third overall, moving Lucas into 4th place in the W2RC standings. Seth and Dennis faced technical issues but gained valuable experience, finishing 20th on the final stage and 43rd overall.
Nasser Al-Attiyah, driving for Nasser Racing by Prodrive, leads the W2RC standings with 112 points, followed by Carlos Sainz of X-Raid Mini JCW Team with 100 points. Yazeed Al Rajhi of Overdrive Racing is in third with 79 points, just ahead of Lucas Moraes, who holds 76 points. Seth Quintero is in 8th place with 39 points. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing leads the Manufacturers' standings with 143 points, 23 points ahead of Nasser Racing by Prodrive.
The Desafio Ruta 40 will take the competitors through the rugged terrains of Argentina, presenting a mix of challenging landscapes that will test both the drivers and their vehicles. The rally will consist of approximately 1000 km of competitive stages, providing ample opportunity for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to further extend its lead in the championship.
The terrain in Argentina is known for its diversity, ranging from sandy dunes and rocky paths to high-altitude sections that require precise navigation and exceptional vehicle performance. The GR DKR Hilux T1+, which has proven its mettle in previous rounds, will once again be the weapon of choice for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. The 2024 edition of the Desafio Ruta 40 will traverse a route from Córdoba to San Juan and La Rioja before returning to Córdoba. Each stage is designed to challenge the endurance and skill of the participants, with varied terrains that mirror the toughness of the Dakar Rally.
The team is looking forward to returning to Argentina in order to reunite with its many fans in the area, as its colleagues from Toyota Argentina SA. Argentina is traditionally a strong-hold for the Hilux name, with the vehicle produced in Toyota's Zarate plant since 1997. Hilux is the car with the highest production numbers in the history of Argentina's auto manufacturing, and has been the best-selling pick-up in Argentina for 18 consecutive years, with more than 30,000 units sold.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's primary goal for the Desafio Ruta 40 is to continue building on its strong position in both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' standings. With Nasser Al-Attiyah now leading the championship by 30 points, the team is focused on securing maximum points in Argentina. Following the Desafio Ruta 40, the W2RC will conclude with the Rally of Morocco in October 2024, where TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will aim to secure its third consecutive Manufacturers' title.