Steady Start for TGR as Seth Shines: A Satirical Take on Dakar 2024’s Prologue

On Friday, January 5th, the rally kicked off with a “short” 28km Prologue, a teaser for the long, treacherous path ahead. Think of it as the appetizer before a 12-course meal that’s likely to cause indigestion for most competitors. In the world of Dakar, the Prologue is like a first date – it doesn’t count towards the long-term relationship but can set the tone for what’s to come.

Leading the charge for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR), Seth Quintero and his right-hand man, Dennis Zenz, blitzed through the route, missing the top spot by a mere 23 seconds. This dynamic duo, driving faster than a caffeinated cheetah, secured a second-fastest time, setting themselves up for a prime spot in the starting lineup. If this were a game of musical chairs, they’d be comfortably seated while others are still circling.

Meanwhile, team colleagues Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleon played it cooler than a cucumber in a freezer. They strategically aimed for a slot just outside the Top 10, avoiding the dubious honor of opening the road for Stage one. It’s like aiming for second place in a beauty contest, you get the prize but none of the sash and crown hassle.

However, not all was smooth sailing – or should we say, dune bashing? TGR veterans Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy took a wrong turn at Albuquerque (or rather, a canyon), losing more than three precious minutes. In Dakar terms, that’s enough time to brew a cup of tea and ponder over life choices. Starting in 44th place, they’ll now have to navigate through a sea of slower competitors and race trucks. Think of it as trying to dance Swan Lake in a mosh pit.

TGR’s rookie crews, Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet, along with Guy Botterill and Brett Cummings, made respectable debuts. They navigated the Prologue with the precision of a cat walking on a hot tin roof, finishing 23rd and 33rd respectively. Not bad for a first date with the unforgiving Dakar.

As the sun sets on the Prologue, the real race looms ahead. The first stage will see competitors tackling an 84km liaison, followed by a 414km timed section, and ending with a 46km jaunt to Al Henakiyah. It’s like going from a jog around the park to a full-blown marathon with hurdles and fire pits.

In the words of Shameer Variawa, “It feels good to finally be racing,” which is motorsport lingo for “Strap in, it’s about to get bumpy.” Seth Quintero, buzzing more than a bee in a flower shop, is ready to race against his childhood heroes. Lucas Moraes, after a “great Prologue,” is as thrilled as a kid in a candy store with a no-limit credit card. And Giniel de Villiers? Despite the navigational hiccup, he’s keeping his spirits as high as a kite in a hurricane.

Dakar 2024 has begun, and if the Prologue is anything to go by, it’s going to be a wild ride – with more twists and turns than a telenovela. Let’s see who dances their way to victory and who trips over their own feet. Stay tuned!

Images : TGR

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