GAZOO Racing names partners for 2027 Dakar hydrogen Hilux entry
Toyota's GAZOO Racing will field a fuel cell Hilux in the 2027 Dakar Rally, partnering with Jameel Motorsport, DENSO, TOYO TIRES and IAV to advance hydrogen technology in motorsport.
GAZOO Racing has announced its intention to compete in the 2027 Dakar Rally with a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the DKR GR FC Hilux. This vehicle is being developed in collaboration with a group of official partners: Jameel Motorsport, DENSO, TOYO TIRES and IAV. The project marks the first time Toyota will deploy hydrogen and fuel cell technology in a motorsport event.
GAZOO Racing’s Hydrogen-Powered Dakar Entry
Official Partners and Their Roles
Jameel Motorsport, DENSO, TOYO TIRES and IAV have joined as official partners for this ambitious hydrogen challenge. Each partner brings expertise from their respective fields, contributing to the technical development and performance of the DKR GR FC Hilux. Their involvement is intended to strengthen the project’s capabilities as it prepares to tackle the unique demands of the Dakar Rally.
- Jameel Motorsport: Focuses on motorsport operations and logistics
- DENSO: Provides advanced automotive technology and systems
- TOYO TIRES: Supplies rally-grade tyres for extreme conditions
- IAV: Contributes engineering and development expertise
About the DKR GR FC Hilux
The DKR GR FC Hilux is based on Toyota’s Dakar-proven DKR GR Hilux, which has already demonstrated its competitiveness in rally raid events. The new FCEV variant is being finalised at Toyota’s European research and development centre, with final assembly underway at the company’s European headquarters. Once assembly is complete, the team will begin a pre-event testing programme to prepare for the challenging rally stages ahead.
| Powertrain | Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle |
|---|---|
| Emissions | Only water vapour |
| Category | Dakar Future Mission 1000 |
| Base Vehicle | DKR GR Hilux |
Hydrogen Technology in the Dakar Rally
The Dakar Rally’s extreme conditions make it a demanding environment for any vehicle, and the 2027 event will serve as a proving ground for Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology. The DKR GR FC Hilux will compete in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category, which is dedicated to promoting sustainable propulsion systems in motorsport. By emitting only water vapour during operation, the vehicle aligns with the rally’s goal of reducing environmental impact and advancing zero-emission technologies.
The collaboration between GAZOO Racing and its partners aims to demonstrate the performance, reliability and viability of fuel cell vehicles in one of motorsport’s toughest challenges. Testing the FCEV Hilux in real-world rally raid conditions will provide valuable insights for future development, both for motorsport and for potential road-going hydrogen vehicles.
Next Steps and Broader Implications
With assembly of the DKR GR FC Hilux nearing completion, Toyota and its partners are preparing for a comprehensive testing programme ahead of the 2027 Dakar Rally. The results from this challenge could influence future motorsport entries and the broader adoption of hydrogen technology in automotive applications. The project highlights Toyota’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in motorsport.
