Benediktas Vanagas has taken control of Baja Greece. Dakar Rally legend Benediktas Vanagas, alongside co-driver Aisvydas Paliukėnas, dominated Saturday’s punishing mountain stages. Driving the powerhouse Toyota GR DKR Hilux EVO T1+ Ultimate, the Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics crew mastered a brutal double-loop in Northern Greece to secure the overnight lead.
The day’s core challenge was a relentless 163-kilometre stage, tackled twice. However, the terrain transformed drastically between the morning and afternoon runs.
"We go to sleep as overnight leaders," Vanagas said at the finish line. "The stages were entirely unique. The wet, slippery mud dried out and hardened. Meanwhile, the hard ground broke up into fine, flour-like dust. It was incredibly complex and challenging."
Navigating the narrow, unforgiving mountain tracks required surgical precision. Blinding dust screens and treacherous cliffs left zero room for error.
Paliukėnas praised the team's composure: "We completed both stages without major issues. It was slick in places and the dust clouds were heavy, but we kept it on the road. The pace was excellent."
Every second counts for the Lithuanian team. After a costly DNF at the previous round in Spain, Vanagas cannot afford to play it safe. Despite holding a comfortable cushion over their rivals, the crew actually increased their pace in the afternoon to extend their lead.
"Tomorrow's tactic is simple: win the stages. We need maximum points, especially after failing to finish in Spain. The smaller half of the route remains, but it is still 200 kilometres. You cannot write it off. In this sport, ten metres can change everything."
Baja Greece action concludes on Sunday.
Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics
Photo: MCH
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