Since 2021, Toyo Tires has supported the Toyota Auto Body Team in the Dakar Rally and they continue for a fourth year in the 2024 edition. The team’s Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GRs will be equipped with Toyo TIres Open Country MT/R in size LT285/70R17 116/113P.
The Toyota Auto Body team will be competing for their 11th consecutive win in the production class of the rally. However, with two cars in the race, both drivers will be looking to take the top step of the podium. Last year Ronald Basso came out top after Akira Miura suffered a big accident early on. Miura will be looking to add to his tally of victories which include 2021 and 2022 in this year race. Following the unfortunate death of Laurent Lichtleuchter in a rally in April, Miura will be racing with french co-driver Mayeul Barbet who is a very experienced navigator, having competed in five editions of the Dakar.
Starting on January 5 with a 27km prologue, the 2024 race will run over 5.000 km of special stage and nearly 8.000km in total until the rally concludes in Yanbu on the shores of the red sea on January 19. Before then, competitors will have to deal with 12 gruelling stages including a 48Hr special which will add a random element with competitors having to stop at the nearest of eight diffrent bivoacs once the clock hits 4PM. Their own team will be unable to assist them and they will not find out their relative position until they complete the second part of the stage the following day. The 48hr special will take place in the empty quarter and with separate tracks for cars and bikes, no advantage can be gained by the cars at the front of the race who follow on from the bike starts.
Over 60% of the 2024 Dakar course is new to ensure all drivers will be challenged by the course. Drivers, Akira Miuara and Ronald Basso are ready for the challenge in their Toyo Tires equipped Land Cruisers.
Source: Tyretradenews
