Xavier Foj and co-driver Pablo Jaton delivered a solid performance through one of the most gruelling motorsport events, as the Toyota Cooper Tires’ team lead vehicle ended the Dakar in a very creditable 19th position.
The duo guided their Toyota Land Cruiser through a tough Dakar route, but the nature of the route took it’s toll on the Land Cruiser during the event.
Damage to the suspension, exhaust and brakes, along with numerous incidents throughout did not faze the experienced pairing from completing the event.
The Land Cruiser was forced to enter the main class of the Dakar, competing against the works-backed entries, after minor changes were not ratified to enter the T2 class in time for the event.
After the event, Foj said “I've completed 20 Dakars now and this was spectacular. The racing was tough and the heat was almost unbearable at times, but nothing can match the excitement and adventure of competing in this contest”.
“This was a massive challenge for the team but everybody has done great and we finished with one vehicle right up there in the rankings”, said Julian Baldwin, the Managing Director of Cooper Tire Europe.
Jesús Calleja and Ignacio Santamaria in the second Toyota Cooper Tires entry saw their charge ended with radiator damage on the seventh stage.
The Toyota Cooper Tires team fitted 255/75R15 and 245/75R15 STTs to the Land Cruiser for the event.
