The 2025 Dakar Rally is officially underway, showcasing some of the world’s most skilled off-road drivers and among them are a squadron of South Africans, both in the bivouac and behind the wheel.
The 2025 Dakar Rally has already seen its share of drama and excitement. South African driver Saood Variawa made history by becoming the youngest driver in the Ultimate class to win a stage in the event’s history. Meanwhile, nine-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb was forced to withdraw from the race after rolling his car. The rally continues to be a gruelling test of both man and machine, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top when the dust settles.
Related: Dakar 2025: SA’s Variawa Supreme On Stage 3
As South Africans, there are many competitors to rally behind that come from within our borders on both four and two wheels.
South Africa has a strong representation in the 2025 Dakar Rally, with competitors across various categories. Here’s a breakdown of the South African participants:
- Rally GP Elite:
- #12 Bradley Cox – BAS World KTM Racing Team
- Rally 2:
- #22 Michael Docherty – BAS World KTM Racing Team
- #24 Aaron Mare – HT Rallye Raid
- #112 Willem Avenant – HT Rallye Raid
- #114 Dwain Barnard – Nomade Racing
- Ultimate (T1 & T1+):
- #205 Guy Botterill & Dennis Murphy – Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa
- #206 Giniel de Villiers & Dirk von Zitzewitz (DEU) – Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa
- #211 Henk Lategan & Brett Cummings – Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa
- #214 Brian Baragwanath & Leonard Cremer – Century Factory Racing
- #218 Saood Variawa & Francois Cazalet (FRA) – Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa
- #239 Mark Corbett & Juan Mohr – Century Factory Racing
- #242 Daniel Schroeder (DEU) & Henry Köhne – PS Laser Racing
Challenger (SXS / T3):
- #302 Puck Klaassen (NED) & Charan Moore – G Rally Team
Additionally, South African motorcyclist Kirsten Landman is taking part in the ‘Original by Motul’ category for the 2025 Dakar Rally.
The next rounds of the Dakar Rally will see South African drivers fighting hard to maintain their positions and challenge for top spots. Henk Lategan and Giniel de Villiers will be looking to capitalize on their experience, while younger drivers like Saood Variawa will aim to continue their impressive performances. With the unpredictable nature of the terrain, anything can happen, and the South African contingent will be eager to make their mark on the world stage.
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