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Issue #15:January 18, 2026
January 17 marked the final day of Dakar Rally 2026. The final day of competition was held in Yanbu on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, concluding with the finish‑podium ceremony and bringing this year’s entire rally to a close. In the first year of the revamped “Stock Class,” which renewed the vehicle regulations of the former Production category, TLC entered two new Land Cruiser rally cars and has now successfully cleared the finish. Car #503, driven by Ronald Basso with Julien Menard, secured 88th overall in the 4‑wheel category and 3rd in class. Car #501 with Akira Miura (Toyota Auto Body staff) and Jean‑Michel Polato finished 133rd overall and 5th in class.
The final SS (competition section) began with a 33 km liaison (transfer section) heading north of the coastal bivouac, followed by a 105 km counter‑clockwise course through the surrounding hills. The second half of the route ran approximately 50 km along the coastline before finishing north of the bivouac, continuing directly to the podium, which was set against the backdrop of the Red Sea. It may have been a short stage, but the risk of punctures in rocky sections or getting stuck in the tricky terrain meant competitors had to remain highly focused through to the end.
On the previous day, TLC’s car #501 had stopped with trouble in the engine’s oil system, and car #503 suffered steering‑system issues. Thanks to the mechanics’ intensive overnight work, both vehicles were repaired by morning and in time to tackle the final stage. Car #503 remained highly focused and completed the stage 94th overall in the 4-wheel category and 4th in the Stock class. Despite suffering one puncture along the way, car #501 finished 101st overall and 5th in class. Both crews took the podium together around 6:30 PM local time. On stage, Toyota Auto Body President and Representative Director Katsuhiro Matsuo and Team Director and Executive Officer Takashi Seki, who had come to cheer on the team, praised the crew’s brave efforts, and together with them, waved back to the enthusiastic crowd.
(Rankings are final as of 3:25 AM Japan time)
Miura (Driver): I have to admit, the result leaves me feeling frustrated. But during the tough moments, the support and encouragement we received from our fans truly gave strength to every single member of the team. I’m so grateful to everyone for their support. Ever since my days as a navigator, TLC has supported me for some 20 years. Knowing this is my final run with them fills me with emotion. It’s thanks to this team that I’ve wanted to aim even higher, so I intend to continue pushing on in my future activities.
Basso (Driver): I’m happy that we were able to prevent the Defender crews from taking over the entire podium. The new rally car’s performance has improved and it’s easier to drive. In the face of some steering issues, we made it to the finish without stopping the car, so I’m satisfied.