TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC claims Stage 2 win at Rallye du Maroc
Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings secured victory on Stage 2, moving TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC into second overall at the Rallye du Maroc, part of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC is taking on the 2026 Rallye du Maroc, a significant event in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship calendar. The team is fielding multiple crews, each facing the unique challenges posed by Morocco’s varied and testing landscapes. The Rallye du Maroc is renowned for its tough terrain, which puts both drivers and vehicles to the test over several gruelling stages.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC at the Rallye du Maroc
Stage 2 Victory for Lategan and Cummings
Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings delivered a standout performance in Stage 2, securing a victory that propelled them into second place overall in this round of the championship. The stage comprised a demanding 300 km timed section, with a mix of rocky tracks, sandy stretches, and navigational challenges. Their win came after a difficult opening day, where they finished 10th, but they capitalised on the opportunity to climb the leaderboard as the rally progressed. This result demonstrates their resilience and ability to adapt quickly to the rally’s changing conditions.
Mixed Results Across the Team
Alongside Lategan and Cummings’ impressive stage win, other TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC crews experienced mixed fortunes. Seth Quintero and Andrew Short maintained consistency, finishing seventh on both the opening and second stages. This steady performance keeps them in contention and demonstrates their ability to handle the rally’s difficulties without major setbacks. Meanwhile, Akira Miura and Armand Monleón showed improvement, moving up from 18th on Stage 1 to 15th on Stage 2, highlighting their determination to advance through the field despite the tough conditions.
Rallye du Maroc: A Key Championship Event
The Rallye du Maroc holds a pivotal position in the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship. The event’s reputation for challenging routes and unpredictable weather makes it a true test of endurance, skill, and strategy for all teams. For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC, strong results here are crucial for their championship ambitions, especially as crews fight for top positions in the overall standings. Every stage result can have significant implications for the championship points table, making consistent performance and adaptability essential.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s Rally-Raid Ambitions
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC’s participation in the Rallye du Maroc is part of a broader commitment to rally-raid competition. The team is focused on both stage victories and overall championship success, using events like the Rallye du Maroc to test new strategies, develop their vehicles, and build teamwork under pressure. These efforts are also in preparation for future challenges, including potential entries with innovative technologies such as hydrogen-powered vehicles in upcoming Dakar events.
Looking Ahead in the Championship
With the Rallye du Maroc underway, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC crews are aiming to maintain momentum through the remaining stages. The team’s performance in Morocco will influence their position in the championship standings and provide valuable experience for the rest of the season. As the rally continues, all eyes are on how the crews will handle the next challenges and whether they can convert strong stage results into an overall victory.
For more on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s rally-raid ambitions, see GAZOO Racing names partners for 2027 Dakar hydrogen Hilux entry.
