TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is set to tackle its first gravel event of the 2026 South African National Rally Championship this weekend, as the series heads to the Western Cape for the Swartland Rally, based in Malmesbury.
The event, which serves as Round 2 of the championship, is renowned for its fast, flowing gravel roads and technical sections, presenting a significant step up in challenge compared to the all-tar season opener. Competitors will face two full days of rallying, with approximately 80 kilometres of competitive stages on each day, linked by over 200 kilometres of liaison.
TGRSA will once again field its Toyota GR Yaris rally car in the hands of motoring journalist Mark Jones, partnered by navigator Kes Naidoo. The pair head into the event following a successful debut at the opening round, where they finished sixth overall and second in class.
For Jones, however, the Swartland Rally represents a completely new challenge.
“This will be my first time properly on gravel,” he said ahead of the event. “The tar rally gave us a good starting point, but this is really where the learning begins. Swartland is known for being very fast, so it’s going to be a big step up.”
The team arrives with a significantly updated car, as development of the GR Yaris continues at pace. Among the key changes is the fitment of a sequential gearbox, replacing the original manual transmission, along with revised suspension components to increase travel and improve performance on rough surfaces.
“We’ve made quite a few changes to the car,” Jones explained. “It’s going to look different and feel very different to drive. But we haven’t had much time to test, so a lot of what we learn will happen during the rally itself.”
Despite the upgrades, the team’s approach remains measured, with the focus firmly on gaining experience and completing the event.
“The goal is still to get the car to the end,” Jones added. “We’re not chasing podiums at this stage. With a strong field and a new surface to deal with, it’s about learning, building confidence and having a clean run.”
Weather conditions are expected to be warm and dry over the weekend, although recent rain in the area could leave sections of the route damp or muddy, adding another layer of complexity to an already demanding rally.
With a competitive entry list and a reputation for punishing both cars and crews, the Swartland Rally is set to provide a stern test for the TGRSA pairing – but also a valuable opportunity to continue building momentum in the 2026 season.
