TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is set to embark on an exciting new chapter as the 2026 South African National Rally Championship (NRC) gets underway at the ICAM All-Tar Rally this weekend.
The season opener marks a significant shift for the team, which will field a single, specially prepared Toyota GR Yaris rally car for the year ahead. Behind the wheel will be motoring journalist Mark Jones, partnered by navigator Kes Naidoo, forming a new crew as they step into the national rally arena.
Jones’ entry into the NRC forms a natural extension of the GR Cup programme, which has successfully brought media personalities into competitive motorsport over the past few seasons. Having previously competed in the GR Cup on the track – starting in a manual GR Yaris before progressing to the GR Corolla – Jones now takes the next step by transitioning into rallying, offering a fresh perspective on the sport from within the cockpit.
The opening round takes place entirely on tar, with stages split between Gerotek and Zwartkops—two iconic motorsport venues that present a unique challenge, demanding precision, commitment and absolute confidence from competitors. While tar rallies are rare in South African rallying, they provide an ideal environment for crews to build rhythm and familiarity at the start of the season.
For Jones, the weekend represents an opportunity to learn and adapt to the demands of rallying, while showcasing the accessibility and appeal of the sport to a broader audience.
“We’re obviously looking forward to the first race of the season. There are definitely some nerves—it’s a big stage, and for us it’s all about learning and building confidence,” he said ahead of the event.
Familiarity with the venues provides a useful foundation. “Gerotek and Zwartkops are places I’ve driven before in both road and race cars, so that should help us understand the car and the conditions a bit better.”
The GR Yaris, however, is a very different proposition in rally specification. Featuring a rear-biased setup, a bespoke pedal box and other competition-focused elements, the car requires a different approach compared to circuit racing.
“It’s lighter than the road car and quite different to drive. There are a lot of nuances we need to learn, both in the car and as a crew. This weekend is really about getting that understanding in place.”
The team’s approach for the opening round is measured, with the focus firmly on building experience and completing the rally.
“We’re not chasing big results just yet. The goal is to bring the car home, learn as much as possible, and start building something for the season ahead.”
The event will feature six stages in total, with four runs at Gerotek followed by two stages at Zwartkops, providing a mix of high-speed sections and technical layouts that will test both car and crew.
With a new car, a new crew and a fresh narrative linking the GR Cup to the national rally stage, TGRSA enters the 2026 season with a strong focus on development, accessibility and growing the sport’s reach.
