TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Repsol unveil their teams for Dakar 2026

After a landmark season in which TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC secured the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship titles for both drivers and manufacturers, Toyota and Repsol today presented in Madrid the sporting and technological programme that will take them into the 2026 Dakar Rally — the toughest event on the planet — running from 3 to 17 January across Saudi Arabia.

The event, held in a venue inspired by the Saudi desert, brought together senior executives from both companies, researchers from the Repsol Technology Lab and the drivers who will take on the challenge with Toyota next January. The presence of the DKR GR Hilux offered guests a first-hand look at the latest upgrades to a machine engineered under TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC and built to withstand the Dakar’s most punishing conditions.

On the sporting side, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC will contest Dakar 2026 with three crews: Henk Lategan / Brett Cummings, Seth Quintero / Andrew Short, and Toby Price / Armand Monleón — all piloting the newest evolution of the DKR GR Hilux.

They will be joined by the Repsol Toyota Rally Team, with Isidre Esteve and Txema Villalobos, who will also compete using Repsol-developed renewable fuels and lubricants.

Together, both teams represent the joint sporting and technological project through which Toyota and Repsol will take on another Dakar where performance and innovation go hand in hand.

The evolution of the DKR GR Hilux: an extreme testing ground

Once again, Dakar will serve as the ultimate proving ground for the evolution of the DKR GR Hilux, a car that has demonstrated outstanding reliability with three wins in the last four editions and that, in 2025, contributed to Toyota’s double world title.

The 2026 specification introduces a comprehensive set of improvements developed jointly by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineering team and researchers from the Repsol Technology Lab.

A major milestone in the collaboration came when Toyota provided Repsol with a Hilux EVO engine, enabling the Repsol Technology Lab to replicate Dakar-level stress conditions and optimise next-generation fuels and lubricants using precise, fully transferable data.

A technological alliance accelerating decarbonisation

Toyota and Repsol share the same vision: carbon is the enemy, and the path to neutrality must embrace multiple technologies. Dakar has become the ideal testing ground to accelerate energy solutions that can be applied directly to real-world mobility.

For the 2026 edition, Repsol will supply nearly 30,000 litres of gasoline containing 70% renewable content for both the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC and the Repsol Toyota Rally Team. The shared goal is to continue progressing toward a fully renewable fuel that maintains peak performance and engine protection even in the harshest conditions.

This project fits squarely within Toyota’s multi-technology strategy, which combines electrification, hydrogen, hybrids, batteries and renewable fuels as part of a broader movement toward cleaner, more efficient mobility.

DRIVER QUOTES — DAKAR 2026 PRESENTATION

HENK LATEGAN

“Let me start by saying that being part of a partnership like Repsol and Toyota is truly incredible. They’re not the kind of sponsors who just put a sticker on the car, hand over money and ask for photos. They’re fully invested in the sporting and technological project, and that’s a huge motivation.

As for last year, finishing second means there’s only one step left. It’s easy to say but tough to achieve. We’ve had a very consistent season with constant development on the car, so now we have one clear objective — and we’re going to fight for it. We’ve got the speed, the consistency and the strategy; now we just need to put it all together.”

SETH QUINTERO

“The new Toyota is fantastic, and after two years working closely with Repsol, the goal can only be to win. But there are easily 20 or 30 incredibly fast drivers capable of fighting for victory, so even getting on the podium is extremely tough… In fact, I’ve got three very strong rivals right here next to me who I’ll be battling with to try to make it happen.

Over the last few years, Toyota and Repsol have built a great relationship with me, and we have an amazing car. I’ve taken stage wins — now I’m ready to go for the big trophy.”

TOBY PRICE

“I’m genuinely excited to join Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC and Repsol and take this new step in my career. It’s a dream come true. Some mornings I have to pinch myself to believe this is really happening. Switching from two wheels to four is a huge challenge, but stories like Nani Roma’s or Stéphane Peterhansel’s inspire me.

The Dakar car is a totally different beast, and we’re taking small steps forward thanks to the massive help from my two teammates. With all that, I think we can aim for the top ten, though there are many fast guys out there and the competition will be fierce.”

ISIDRE ESTEVE

“Having the chance to step into an official car like this is incredible; I’m rediscovering sensations I hadn’t felt in years. We’re with the best team and in the best conditions, so now we’re going to Dakar to compete — that’s what we’re here for.

We first tested Repsol’s renewable fuel with Toyota four years ago, and it was amazing to see performance exceed our initial expectations. Knowing that your work helps advance decarbonisation not only in motorsport but also in everyday mobility is something to be proud of.”

Miguel Carsi, President & CEO of Toyota Spain:

“Our aim isn’t just to win races — it’s to help transform the industry. This project embodies our multi-technology strategy: hybrids, hydrogen, electrification and renewable fuels working together to deliver mobility that is more efficient, more accessible and ultimately emissions-free.”

Valero Marín, Chief Customer Officer at Repsol:

“For Repsol, racing is the ultimate testing ground for innovation. Dakar allows us to validate the reliability of our renewable fuels under extreme conditions, thanks to our technological partnership with Toyota. Today, our 100% renewable Nexa diesel is available in more than 1,400 service stations, and renewable gasoline in over 20. It’s how we take technology from the desert to the road — putting innovation at the service of people and the future of energy.”