Toby Price joins the lineup as the DKR GR Hilux benefits from some updates
Photography by Toyota
Words by Stephen Brunsdon
Toyota Gazoo Racing has unveiled a heavily upgraded DKR GR Hilux, as well as a new driver lineup, for its World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) title defense in 2026.
Billed as a stronger and stiffer car to the first iteration of the DKR GR Hilux, the new car will be run solely by the TGR W2RC team debuting at the Dakar Rally in January, before being made available to privateer customers.
Notably, it is the first car to have been designed and developed by Christian Loriaux, who joined Overdrive Racing at the beginning of this year, and former TGR team principal Glyn Hall.
The new car features a new tubular chassis, aimed at increasing torsion stiffness and reducing weight, as well as a reinforced transmission to cope with the demands of the two-week long marathon set to take place between January 3-17.
Greater serviceability and stability have been the key areas of improvements for TGR as the team goes in search of a fifth consecutive W2RC manufacturers crown and and fourth drivers’ title.
Toby Price (right) steps up to the factory squad alongside Seth Qunitero and Henk Lategan
There are also changes in the driver line-up heading into the 2026 Dakar Rally. With new world champion Lucas Moraes switching to Dacia Sandriders, two-time Dakar winner in the bike class Toby Price has been handed a promotion to the main TGR W2RC team following his four-wheel debut in a privateer Hilux this year.
Price will sit alongside Moraes’ former navigator Armand Monleon, who stays with the team, while mainstays Seth Quintero and 2026 Dakar Rally runner-up Henk Lategan remain at the squad.
“This is one of those pinch-yourself moments in my motorsport career,” said Price. “Dakar at this level is something only a very small group of people get to experience, and I’m extremely grateful to Toyota, Red Bull, Peter Kittle Motor Company, and all our partners for making it happen.
“I’m really looking forward to heading back to Dakar for redemption after how our debut ended last year. Letting our partners down and seeing Sam [Sunderland] suffer a concussion was tough, but it’s only added to my motivation. Teaming up with Armand is incredible. He brings so much experience, and I truly believe we’re in a great position to take it to the Dakar greats.”
Red Bull and Repsol colors look stunning together, don't they?
Lategan, who fought for the world title until the final round in Morocco, is the only driver to keep the same navigator for 2026, with Brett Cummings continuing the all-South African line-up. Quintero will continue alongside his new co-driver, Andrew Short.
“After our first full season in the W2RC, Brett and I feel more prepared than ever for the next edition of the Dakar,” added Lategan.
“Our goal is to go one better than last year’s result. It’s always exciting to be part of a new project, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what the all-new Toyota DKR GR Hilux can do in full competition trim.”
Words:Stephen Brunsdon
Tags: Dakar, Dakar 2026, Henk Lategan, Seth Quintero, Toby Price, Toyota, W2RC
Publish Date November 19, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/11/Vot1X4i4-hilux2-780x520.jpg November 19, 2025
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