TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC fighting at the front in Portugal

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC (TGR W2RC) battled the elements to keep up its victory challenge in round two of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) on the longest and most demanding stage of Rally Raid Portugal.

On a wet and wild day, the 377 km Stage 2 began in Grândola in Portugal and started with a winding journey through muddy, tree-lined terrain, featuring numerous water crossings. Crews then encountered fast and twisty mountain tracks across the border en route to the Spanish city of Badajoz, where the stage concluded.

Seth Quintero and Andrew Short began the day in second overall, just 17 secs off the lead, and despite an early starting position, kept themselves within touching distance of the overall lead throughout. They ran in the stage top six from the beginning and were in the top-three by half distance.

The battle for honours intensified and, after encountering dust from a competitor ahead, the #203 DKR GR Hilux finished third, 64 secs behind winners and overall leaders Sébastien Loeb and Édouard Boulanger (Dacia Sandriders). Quintero and Short are now third overall, just 53 secs off the lead with more than 700 km of competitive action remaining.

Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings set a strong pace as they attempted to recover time following their opening day dramas. They finished Stage 2 in a competitive fifth place, but the 36-minute deficit caused by Wednesday’s issues leaves the #202 DKR GR Hilux 19th overall in the Ultimate class.

TGR W2RC debutant Akira Miura continued to gather valuable experience at the wheel of the #204 DKR GR Hilux he shares with Armand Monleón. The multiple Dakar Rally class winner showed consistency and control on his way to 21st on Stage 2, for 20th in the Ultimate class overall.

All three DKR GR Hilux will battle to move up the standings during Friday’s Stage 3, which is the fastest of the rally and includes 296 km of timed action on a loop close to Badajoz.

Quotes:

Henk Lategan: “Today was better than yesterday, even though we did manage to hit a tree again. This time we got away with just some damaged body panels; the car was mechanically fine. We struggled a bit today and it was tricky with the weather. It’s the same for everyone but our starting position didn’t help because the road got a bit messy, with the cars ahead dragging mud onto the road. But we recovered pretty well to get a better road position tomorrow, which will hopefully be a better day.”  

Seth Quintero: “It’s been a really good day for us. It was a bit tricky starting out front with the mud, but we picked up the pace when we could and played a smart strategy. That helped us gain some time and stay in a strong position. In the last 75 km we lost quite a bit of time with some dust, but that’s typical for this rally and we knew it was a risk. There are three long days to go. Tomorrow should be faster so we’re looking forward to it and we’ll keep pushing.”  

Akira Miura: “I have to say big thanks to the team, and to Armand, for their continued support. Stage 2 was very tricky, particularly the first 100 km which were narrow, slippery and with dangerous blind corners. I didn’t take any risks early in the stage but after the middle point, it dried up and I felt more grip. So, I worked on finding the best way to get maximum performance from the DKR GR Hilux.”

BP Rally Raid Portugal – Provisional Stage 2 result*

BP Rally Raid Portugal – Provisional standings*

*Ultimate class, correct at time of publication