W2RC: Lategan gets first local victory in Safari Rally

The third round of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship concluded in Sun City with Henk Lategan writing a historic page for South African motorsport. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver claimed his first W2RC victory after five stages that tested both mechanical endurance and competitors' skills.

Lategan breaks European hegemony on African soil

With just a 39-second lead over Sébastien Loeb at the start of the final special stage, Lategan maintained the pressure until the final meters. The French driver from The Dacia Sandriders, who was looking to break a victory drought dating back to the 2022 Andalucía Rally, had to settle for second place on the podium, finishing 1'39" behind the winner.

Lucas Moraes completed the podium for Toyota Gazoo Racing, finishing 2'55" behind his teammate. This performance earned the Brazilian his second podium of the season, consolidating his position among the championship contenders.

Al Attiyah maintains championship lead

Despite a 15-minute penalty for a missed waypoint in the second stage, Nasser Al Attiyah retains the lead in the drivers' championship with 114 points. The Qatari driver from The Dacia Sandriders secured two stage wins during the week, marking his 45th career victory in the world championship and the eighth for the Romanian brand.

This victory in Sun City proves we remain competitive despite mistakes. The championship is long and every point counts

Lategan's rise to second place (94 points) reshuffles the standings, pushing Lucas Moraes to third with 89 points. Seth Quintero sits fourth with 79 points, while Yazeed Al Rajhi drops to fifth with 73 points following his race accident.

Toyota gains ground in manufacturers' championship

The podiums by Lategan and Moraes propelled Toyota Gazoo Racing to the top of the manufacturers' championship with 311 points, surpassing The Dacia Sandriders (219 points). Ford M-Sport remains third with 190 points, thanks to Carlos Sainz's fourth place and Nani Roma's sixth-place finish.

Zille claims first Challenger category victory

David Zille ended speculation about who would take Challenger honors by withstanding late pressure from compatriot Nicolás Cavigliasso. The Argentine from BBR Motorsport won by 3'39" over the current championship leader, who had to settle for winning the final stage.

Franco debuts with SSV category victory

Mario Franco chose the perfect moment for his SSV debut, claiming overall victory in his first appearance. The Portuguese driver from Francosport outperformed Michele Cinotto (CST Xtreme Plus Polaris) and fellow countryman Alexandre Pinto (Old Friends Rally Team).

Portugal awaits championship continuation

After completing Middle Eastern and African rounds, the 2025 W2RC moves to European territory. The BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal is scheduled for September 22-28.