Name: Giniel de Villiers
Date of Birth: March 25, 1973
Nationality: South African
Machine: Toyota Hilux
Debut: 2003: Marseilles (France) to Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt). Finished 5th
Best Dakar: 2009: 1st place
2012 Dakar Number: #301
Giniel de Villers won the Dakar in 2009 and remained an integral part of the VW Touareg success story in 2010 and last year, when he finished second. But with the German manufacturer pulling out of rally-raid to prepare for their 2013 WRC entry, de Villiers suddenly looked like he was without a 2012 Dakar drive.
But unbowed, de Villiers and co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz started talking to Japanese manufacturer Toyota’s South African division, and despite only getting their hands on it in October, they have tested their new car in African events ahead of their Dakar tilt.
Fast Fact: Coming from the Western Cape winemaking region of South Africa, it’s not surprising that Giniel is a wine buff – especially as his wife Jeanne-Marie is a winemaker.
Best quote: “This is a new challenge… a new chapter for me. I really believe we have a chance to finish on the podium. For me, it would be strange to stay home during the Dakar. The adventure carries on with my co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz: same team, new car.” Giniel de Villiers
Comments
Add a comment