Toyota on top at SA Safari Rally

Stage 2 of the 2025 South African Safari Rally proved pivotal for Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA), with both GR Hilux EVO crews securing top finishes in the demanding Marathon Stage. Guy Botterill and co-driver Dennis Murphy (#211) clinched the stage victory, while teammates Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet (#212) claimed second place, marking a strong comeback for the Pretoria-based team.

The gruelling 620 km leg, starting with a 212 km liaison and a 356 km timed special stage, concluded with a 55 km transit to the Marathon bivouac near Stella. Under event rules, crews were required to independently service their vehicles overnight without technical support ahead of Stage 3.

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Diverse terrain tested competitors throughout the route, blending high-speed grassland stretches with deep ruts, sand patches, and dense vegetation. Navigation challenges intensified in overgrown areas, where minimal track definition and tall grass complicated route-finding.

Botterill and Murphy, starting further down the order after a tough Stage 1, capitalised on clearer tracks to post a time of 3hr 12min 36sec, securing a 55-second lead. Botterill credited their improved road position and precise navigation, noting, “We pushed hard, avoided issues, and the car performed perfectly. Now we’ll focus on preparing for tomorrow.”

Variawa and Cazalet delivered their best stage result of the rally, briefly leading by 90 seconds before engine overheating forced a slowdown. “Bushes clogged the radiators, costing us time, but securing second keeps the team in a strong position,” Variawa explained.

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Both crews reported no major mechanical concerns at the stage finish, a critical advantage given the overnight servicing restrictions. Their performances boosted Variawa/Cazalet to 12th overall, 7min 15sec off the lead, while Botterill/Murphy climbed to 14th, trailing by 14min 28sec despite a prior penalty.

Stage 3 will return teams to Sun City via a 246 km special stage and 263 km liaison. Dry, dusty conditions and minimal route markings are expected to maintain pressure on co-drivers, with accurate roadbook navigation remaining decisive.

TGRSA team principal Shameer Variawa praised the crews’ resilience, stating the results reflect strategic progress. “The Marathon Stage tests endurance and self-reliance. We’re confident in maintaining this momentum as the rally enters its midpoint,” he said.

South Africa Safari Rally 2025 – Stage 2 Results

South African Safari Rally 2025 – Standings after Stage 2

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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