The Repsol Toyota Rally Team is now fully into the action at the Dakar Rally 2026. The first stage was run on a demanding route, marked by rocks and a high risk of punctures, and Isidre Esteve and his co-driver Txema Villalobos were not spared those difficulties.
Just after the timed section began, at kilometre 6, they suffered a puncture. However, they were able to repair it at the pit stop area provided by the organisers at kilometre 180—an area designed to allow tyre changes—and continue all the way to the finish. From that point on, the pace of the driver from Oliana (Lleida) steadily increased, and he gained positions over the second part of the special.
In the end, the Catalan, driving the number 233 Toyota DKR GR Hilux—running on renewable fuel and lubricants developed in Repsol’s Technology Lab—finished 29th overall and 29th in the Ultimate category, the same position he holds in the overall standings.
“At the start we suffered a puncture because we were going faster than we should have in a rocky section. Once it was fixed, we built confidence and increased the pace, and the second half of the special went very well,” explained the Repsol-supported driver, backed by Repsol, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Spain, MGS Seguros and KH-7.
The day also served to add more kilometres and experience behind the wheel of the Toyota, with which Esteve has only had two competitive days so far. In this adaptation process, the vehicle’s performance has been one of the most positive aspects for the driver: “Even though I still have limited mileage with the car, the sensations are very good and I still have margin to improve. Also, I feel much more comfortable and less fatigued than with the previous vehicle, and that’s key for tackling the long stages that are coming,” he said.
Dakar 2026 continues this Monday, 5 January, with Stage 2, taking competitors from Yanbu to Al Ula, for a total of 504 kilometres, 400 of them timed. It is expected to be another day in which rocks will feature heavily, and teams will need to be extra cautious to avoid further punctures.
Source: Repsol Toyota Rally Team
Disclaimer:
As a service to the sport we all love and follow, Rally-Raid Network posts numerous media releases from a wide variety of sources on our website. Due to the large number, and some times short time available, it is nearly impossible to review each public release. These articles are written by reporters or press officers who work for various organizers, teams, drivers, riders, and other parties, and they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rally-Raid Network.
