..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
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The President, Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda, has hailed the Toyota teams that participated in the just concluded 2016 Dakar Rally.
In a statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA, Toyoda said: “The Dakar Rally is arguably the world’s most challenging endurance race. It is a formidable test of teamwork, tenacity and communication that requires vehicles, drivers, co-drivers and mechanics to perform consistently in extreme conditions over a distance of more than 8,000 kilometers.
“I am greatly encouraged by the fact that, in the 2016 edition of this legendary event, 42 crews competed in Toyota vehicles. This year saw an excellent performance from the three crews of Toyota GAZOO Racing SA, who showed that they are fully capable of competing at the very top level of Dakar.
“I am also extremely proud of Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body, who won the Cross-Country Series Production Vehicles class for the third consecutive year. I would like to congratulate driver Nicolas Gibon, co-driver Jean-Pierre Garcin, and the entire team for their fine performance, and extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who gave their support―this wouldn’t have been possible without you.
“The winning Land Cruiser, vehicle #343, was victorious despite being rendered undrivable during the first half of the rally. It was towed by vehicle #342 to the finish line, where the mechanics worked until dawn to fix it. Thanks to the whole team’s impressive efforts, both vehicles were able to continue.
“All involved shared the same exemplary motivation: to finish the race together, no matter what happened. Without a doubt, it was this unwavering determination that enabled the team to secure their third consecutive win. I have the utmost respect for them, and for those involved in developing the Land Cruiser which carried the team to victory. Congratulations to you all!
“Akira Miura, who competed in vehicle #342, is a Toyota Auto Body employee. He readily volunteered for the Dakar Rally project when he saw it advertised within the company. His numerous years of diligent training and experience as a co-driver, combined with his spirit of challenge, will be a great boost to our ongoing efforts to make ever-better cars―a fundamental principle of Toyota Auto Body and indeed the whole Toyota Group.
“At Toyota, we hold a shared belief that participating in motorsports is the key to developing people and making ever-better cars. The daily challenges faced by the team during the 2016 Dakar Rally, and their single-minded determination in overcoming those challenges, will surely contribute to the future development of our vehicles, as well as the personal growth of all involved.
“My thanks again to all who supported us, and to everyone who helped to make this unique and remarkable event such a success.”
