“In a position to compete with the big boys!”
Crew facts
TP
- Last January marked the end of an era. After 10 Dakars on a motorbike, Toby Price switched to four wheels. Already very interested in cars, the non-renewal of his contract with the KTM team precipitated the transition. At the 2025 Dakar, the Australian therefore competed in one of the best cars: a Toyota Hilux prepared by Overdrive.
- Unfortunately, this new adventure came to an abrupt end when his co-driver and former rival, Sam Sunderland, suffered a concussion and was unable to continue.
- In 2015, the young Australian with the physique of a third-row centre arrived on the rally like a bolt from the blue. The Hilston, New South Wales native was then an unknown on the global stage. Known for his speed, he quickly mastered the subtleties of navigation, never faltering on his way to an impressive third-place finish. A year later, as a member of the KTM factory team, Price confirmed his talent, becoming the first Australian in any category to win on the Dakar.
- His second crown, won in Lima in 2019, is proof of his courage in the face of considerable distress, this time due to a damaged wrist, a condition that has led him to visit numerous hospital wards around the world during his career.
- In 10 Dakar rallies, Price has finished on the podium six times and in the Top 10 eight times, including fifth place in 2024 on his last outing in the category.
- The 38-year-old racer has already enjoyed a successful career on four wheels, winning the Finke Desert Race in Australia three times and competing in several events across the Atlantic, including the famous Baja 1000 in a supercharged pick-up truck.
- He therefore entered the last Dakar Rally in a slightly less imposing vehicle. In his second try on four wheels, he joined the Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC factory team and will have a proven co-driver by his side: Spaniard Armand Monleon.
Ambition
T.P.: “Unfortunately, we decided to withdraw from the last Dakar for medical reasons. It was a shame to end like that, and we were devastated. We can repair cars, but not humans, and Sam is like family to me, so his health came first.
Knowing that we will be able to return is one of those moments in my motorsport career where I have to pinch myself to believe it. The Dakar at this level is something that only very few people get to experience, and I am incredibly grateful to Toyota and all our partners who made this possible. I'm really looking forward to returning to the Dakar to get my revenge after the way our first participation ended last year. Disappointing our partners and seeing Sam suffer a concussion was difficult, but it only increased my motivation.
Having Armand (Monleon) with me is incredible. He provides so much experience, and I honestly believe we are in an excellent position to compete with the Dakar greats.”
