Giniel de Villiers is ready to sign off his remarkable Dakar Rally career in style in 2025.
Not only is De Villiers reunited with his long-time German navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz, but Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is also very confident in their Hilux for the dozen stages which covers 5000km in Saudi Arabia in January.
It is the first time four South African drivers start the Dakar for TGRSA.
Joining De Villiers is local cross-country champion Henk Lategan, co-driver Brett Cummings, Guy Botterill and navigator Denis Murphy and Saood Variawa and French co-driver Francois Cazalet.
Botterill and Variawa made their debuts this year, finishing sixth and 17th respectively, while Lategan was forced to miss out due to a shoulder injury.
In stark contrast, De Villiers has lined up for the Dakar more times than the 19-year-old Variawa has had birthdays. He returns for the 22nd time after finishing his first 21 races, an overall Dakar record for most consecutive finishes.
Making De Villiers' run even more remarkable is the fact that he has finished in the top 10 no less than 20 times. This includes eight podiums, with his win in 2009 the highlight.
This story is from the December 07, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 07, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tourism after US terror
New Orleans is a city of tremendous spirit - Biden
Fatal mistakes in route-planning
You're going nowhere quickly in Cape Town
Shiraz's visual tapestry
Alley art reminiscent of Surrealism
Zuko maintains his positive vibes
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Zuko Mdunyelwa is optimistic about winning his place back in the team after overcoming a groin injury.
A giant nail-biter
SA20: DURBAN FRANCHISE GRABS VICTORY FROM THE JAWS OF DEFEAT
Cheetahs have no room to slip
The Cheetahs are under no illusions that a loss against Italian side Zebre could spell the end of their race for the Challenge Cup title.
Mpeku handed his Lions debut
BIG TEST: VD MERWE ALSO BACK TO FACE MONTPELLIER
Aldcroft named to lead Red Roses
Zoe Aldcroft is set to lead England at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil after being named as the team's captain for 2025.
Bulls are not chucking game
While Bulls director of rugby Jake White (above) said they are not kidding themselves about their position and prospects in the Champions Cup, from a coach's perspective he owes it to his players to follow the strategy he set out at the start of the season and rotate his squad regularly.
Stormers treating every Cup match 'like a play-off'
The Stormers are banking on the return of several stalwarts to beef up their team for their must-win Champions Cup game against English side Sale Sharks at Cape Town Stadium today (kick-off 3pm).
