“This car is a big step forward”
CREW FACTS…
Tim
- Tim Coronel discovered the Dakar 17 years ago, in 2007, with his girlfriend, and has not missed an edition since. The Dutchman has seen it all whether in Africa, South America or in Saudi Arabia. He even competed in the solo class (alone in an SSV) eight times winning it on three occasions.
- And naturally his Dakar story is linked to that of his twin brother Tom. Both men enjoyed a first experience together back in 2009. After going solo, they returned together as of 2018 and have since then been sharing a cockpit and even the steering wheel of their various cars.
- Competing in a Century CR6, Tim managed his best ever performance last January when he captured 22nd spot.
- The Coronel Dakar Team will this time head to the 2025 Dakar in their new 4x4 Century CR7 T1+ supported by Carbon Positive Motorsport for the second time. The ambition is to finish in the Top 20.
Tom
- Tom started on the Dakar in the first year of the South American era, in 2009. An adventure that would remain forever in his mind alongside his brother Tim. Despite taking a long break due to his career on circuits (WTCC, WTCR, TCR), he returned in 2015 in the solo class.
- It was in 2018 that Tom got reunited with Tim in one same car. They have shared both the cockpit and the steering wheel of their buggy for the last seven years.
- When Tom isn’t in the desert he’s in a studio or on the circuits of the Formula One championship as a commentator for Dutch TV. He also closely follows the promising career of his son Rocco who is a Red Bull Junior driver with that dream of one day making it to the pinnacle of motorsports: Formula One, twenty-five years after his dad was given the opportunity to test an Arrows F1.
- With his brother Tim, he’s also busy managing their Coronel Adventure Indoor park in Huizen where one can enjoy karting, climbing, mini golfing, bowling or laser gaming.
- For this 2025 Dakar and after three years of driving the Century CR6, it was time for a serious upgrade. They will indeed have big expectations of their new Century 4X4 CR7 T1+.
- Very concerned by the environment, Tom and Tim will be supported by Carbon Positive Motorsport that will offset the entire team's fuel consumption throughout the rally.
- Their Coronel support truck which also has 6 bedrooms (3 for them, 3 for rent) is completely self-sufficient and carbon-neutral with solar panels and batteries on board for power and 1,200 litres of water on board.
2025 AMBITIONS
Tim. C.: “The CR7 should provide more speed and an even more stable car. I drove this car for two days I South Africa. So, it has four-wheel drive and the engine is now between us, so you notice that. The balance is so much better, it responds immediately when you steer, and it has much more grip. It’s a T1+, really the best of the best. It feels lighter while it’s heavier. The Dakar has become much more technical, and I think this is the right move at this time. Technology hasn’t stood still; this car is a big step forward.”
