Already a two-time winner of the legendary Dakar Rally on a motorbike, Toby Price embarks on a new goal to win the event on four-wheels by entering the Car Class as part of Toyota GAZOO Racing’s large team.
The famously rugged event has not travelled the original Paris-to-Dakar route for more than 15-years and in 2026 starts in the sand dunes of Saudi Arabia, with Price linking up with Toyota in one of its Toyota GR DKR Hilux prototype.
Alongside co-driver Armand Monleon from Spain, Price will contest a highly competitive outright battle in the T1+ Car Class during the 14-day event.
Toyota is joined by the Carlos Sainz-led Ford, Dacia featuring Sebastien Loeb, while Mini and Century also have a presence.
Although the Hilux name features in the GR DKR name and also in subtle styling cues, but is far from the same as what is sold on the showroom floor.
Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine delivering an amazing amount of torque and power to deal with the mixed surfaces on the Dakar.
The tubular chassis provides stiffness and a reduction of weight is significant combined with the full-composite bodywork designed by the team at Toyota Design Australia.
Suspension travel is increased by 350mm to fit the 37-inch tyres, while a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox sends the power through all four wheels.
Price is one of three Toyota Gazoo Racing entries for the Dakar Rally as he aims to join Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel and Spaniard Nani Roma to win both categories.