“Find the right pace and get lucky”
Giniel De Villiers has never retired in 14 Dakars. Even better, he has only one result outside the Top 10 (in 2007), has accumulated 13 stage victories and won the rally in 2009, becoming the first winner on South American soil. But you can sense a little frustration from the South African. Always consistent but less and less competitive against the opposition and in particular Peugeot, Giniel began to drop off the past few years : 2nd in 2015, then 3rd in 2016 and 5th last year. The Toyota Gazoo driver returned to his South African roots this year to compete in and win the South African off-road championship ten years after winning his last title. The 45 year-old De Villiers who began his racing career in touring cars also got his share of dunes in competing in the Dakar Series China Rally, finishing a disappointing 18th after a run in with a damn rock. Along with co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz, he will compete with a new, lower, lighter and more powerful Hilux and the goal will be to compete with the Peugeots and fight for another victory.
I grew up on a farm and raced in everything I could find. It began at the age of 4 in a pedal kart. My dad loved motor racing and he passed the bug on to me. Then I got my start on the track in touring cars before switching to off-road. The 2017 Dakar was a huge disappointment. First we had a huge navigation problem before having some issues with the car. We were looking to race with a two-wheel drive Toyota but the programme was stopped. It didn’t work. We will have a new a mid-engine Hilux. The weight distribution has been completely changed. The car is lower and lighter and we will be able to take advantage of the rule’s change (38mm intake and 65 fewer kilograms). Additionally, we will have new tyres that really make the difference. I noticed a real improvement during the 4,000kms of testing I did. Without a turbo, we will continue to suffer at high altitudes. Peugeot is still the team to beat. This 2018 Dakar will be demanding right from the start with the dunes in Peru. I really liked it the last time we were there. I have thrilled there will be more off-road. And, I had the chance to put in some good preparation in the dunes on the China Rally. Now, I hope to win again, but to do that I will have to find the right pace and get lucky.”
Television Publica Argentina - Argentina
