By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    All the Classic Genres at the 13th rendition of The Classic Car Show
    July 8, 2025
    Entries Open for The Cape 1000 – South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive Returns for 2026
    June 10, 2025
    Ulterio Motiv Toyota Land Cruiser 6×6 and 6×4 to invade Land Cruiser Festival
    June 3, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
    LDV (Maxus as Known in China) Makes a Bold Statement at Shanghai Motor Show
    April 30, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new R 18 models
    January 22, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the BMW Concept F 450 GS
    November 5, 2024
    BMW Motorrad presents the new bikes
    November 1, 2024
    24YM HONDA NX500
    October 15, 2024
  • News
    NewsShow More
    LEPAS brand to launch in South Africa in 2026
    July 10, 2025
    Chery Tiggo Cross HEV: 10 fast facts
    July 9, 2025
    GWM RECOGNISED AMONG SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST
    July 9, 2025
    Kia Secures Prestigious Honours in 2025 IIHS Safety Awards
    July 9, 2025
    Stellantis Pro One announces start of production in the Italian Atessa plant
    July 8, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
    January 28, 2025
    CITROEN PRESENTS C5 AIRCROSS CONCEPT
    October 15, 2024
    Lotus Unveils Theory 1:  The Future Of Intelligent Performance
    September 23, 2024
    First sketches of Škoda Enyaq RS Race
    May 3, 2024
    W16 Mistral: the art of bringing Bugatti’s ultimate roadster to life
    January 24, 2024
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Volvo Car South Africa confirms third quarter arrival of new EX30 Cross Country
    June 17, 2025
    Special Envoy Launches XPress – SA’s First Full EV Courier Fleet
    June 11, 2025
    JAECOO J7 SHS debuts in South Africa with 90 km all-electric range
    June 10, 2025
    OMODA launches C9 PHEV in South Africa
    June 10, 2025
    Volvo Car South Africa reaffirms sustainability ambitions on World Environment Day
    June 5, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    AFRICAN OPEN GLORY FOR TGRJA’S COETZEE
    July 8, 2025
    SAES welcomes the Maserati GT2 to compete in the championship
    July 3, 2025
    FIGHTING SPIRIT FROM TGRSA AT 2025 NRC SEASON OPENER
    July 3, 2025
    Castrol NWM Ford Team Secure Dominant Victory and Strong Finishes at Bronkhorstspruit
    July 3, 2025
    VARIAWA CLAIMS P2 AS TGRSA OPENS 2025 SARRC CAMPAIGN
    July 3, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    UD Trucks Southern Africa celebrates dealers breaking barriers at 2025 awards ceremony
    June 11, 2025
    HINO KUILSRIVIER ACHIEVES PRESTIGIOUS FIRST-TIME VICTORY AS HINO DEALER OF THE YEAR
    June 10, 2025
    NAMIB MILLS RELIES ON HINO FOR RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
    June 4, 2025
    Volvo reaches milestone with 5,000 electric trucks sold worldwide
    April 29, 2025
    HINO ONCE AGAIN ANSWERS FARMERS’ CALL FOR HELP
    April 24, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    Introducing the Ferrari Amalfi
    July 9, 2025
    Ferrari 296 Speciale: driving thrills reach new heights
    July 9, 2025
    Opel unveils next generation Grandland
    July 9, 2025
    Introducing Range Rover SV Black
    July 9, 2025
    Introducing the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Edition 1 in South Africa
    July 9, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Volvo EX90 LiDAR and smartphone cameras: What you need to know
    June 2, 2025
    Chery unveils AiMOGA: Revolutionising the car-buying experience through intelligent robotics
    April 24, 2025
    Volvo Cars uses AI and virtual worlds with the aim to create safer cars
    March 21, 2025
    Chery drives AI innovation with DeepSeek partnership
    March 3, 2025
    Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive
    February 20, 2025
Hot News
LEPAS brand to launch in South Africa in 2026
Introducing the Ferrari Amalfi
Chery Tiggo Cross HEV: 10 fast facts
Ferrari 296 Speciale: driving thrills reach new heights
GWM RECOGNISED AMONG SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST
Latest News

The new Porsche Taycan: improved in almost every discipline

Latest News

Porsche congratulates Roland Kussmaul on his 80th birthday

Latest News

60 YEARS OF PORSCHE RACING AT KYALAMI

Motosport

DOUBLE PODIUM FOR TGRSA CREWS ON MARATHON OPENER AT SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Motosport

VARIAWA CLAIMS P2 AS TGRSA OPENS 2025 SARRC CAMPAIGN

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: July 3, 2025 03:14
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
45 Views
4 Min Read
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) kicked off its 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) campaign this weekend with a determined performance at the Renault KEC 400, held at the Legends Adventure Farm near Bronkhorstspruit. The season opener featured changing conditions, technical terrain and tight competition, with TGRSA’s Saood Variawa and co-driver Francois Cazalet securing an impressive second place overall — their highest SARRC finish to date.

The two-day event began with the Falken Wild Peak Prologue on Friday morning, followed by Stage 1 in the afternoon. Variawa/Cazalet clocked the 9th-fastest time in qualifying before climbing to third overall after the opening race loop. On Saturday, competitors tackled two challenging 175 km loops, comprising Stages 2 and 3. The route demanded pinpoint accuracy, quick reflexes and tough decisions, with a mix of muddy sections, dust, rutted tracks and rocky outcrops throughout.

Starting the final day just 11 seconds behind the leaders, Variawa and Cazalet pushed hard in pursuit of victory. “We had the pace and were on for the win in my eyes,” said Variawa. “But two punctures cost us time, and we also took a two-minute penalty. Still, it’s a podium finish — my best so far in the championship — and I’m really happy with the team, the car and our performance.”

The pair completed the event in a time of 6hr 10min 02sec, just 2min 38sec behind eventual winners Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (Ford NWM). It was a confident statement of intent from the young TGRSA driver, who continues to show maturity and raw speed in the premier Ultimate T1+ class.

Guy Botterill and Oriol Mena, who had set the third-fastest time in the Prologue and were leading the rally after Stage 1, saw their strong weekend cut short by mechanical trouble. A power steering failure just 3 km into Saturday’s opening stage forced them into the pits for repairs. They rejoined the event under penalty and completed the race in 15th overall, seventh in class. “Guy did an amazing job on Friday,” said Shameer Variawa, Team Principal. “He was really quick, and it was just bad luck that cost him the result on Saturday.”

TGRSA’s third crew, João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro, had been hoping for a strong South African debut. The Portuguese pair showed pace in Prologue, but their race ended prematurely when they left the road and landed in a river during Stage 1. While neither crew member was injured, their retirement was a disappointment after a promising start. “João was adjusting well,” added Saood Variawa. “It was just one of those things — a tricky corner caught a few of us out.”

Despite the setbacks, all three TGRSA crews demonstrated the competitiveness of the GR Hilux IMT EVO, with the platform once again proving its strength and pace under pressure. The team now turns its attention to the next two rounds of the championship, the Parys/Vaal 400, scheduled for 15–16 August, where the crews will look to consolidate their momentum and target valuable championship points.

TAGGED:2025 South African Rally-Raid ChampionshipFrancois CazaletRenault KEC 400Saood VariawaSARRCTGRSATOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow

You Might Also Like

Motosport

Advantage Wolk in Kyalami SATC

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 16, 2024
Motosport

PROMISING PERFORMANCE BY TGRSA AS NRC RESUMES IN SECUNDA

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
May 30, 2023
Motosport

MIXED RESULTS FOR TGRSA MARK SATC ROUND 2 AT KYALAMI

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 16, 2024
Motosport

SWARTLAND PLAYS HOST TO FIRST EVENT OF THE 2024 SANRC TGRSA TO FIELD TWO CREWS

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 11, 2024
Motosport

LUCAS/ARMAND HOLD STEADY AS DAKAR 2024 NEARS FINISH

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
January 19, 2024
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa recorded a double-podium finish

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
October 11, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Crafted by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2024

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner