Lithuanian who has started the most times in Dakar, Benediktas Vanagas, began his run at the Baja TT Cuenca, securing second place in opening prologue.
Navigated by Aisvydas Paliukėnas, the Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics pair acted as "cleaners" starting first on the road. Despite the disadvantage of clearing the track for the following pack, the duo navigated the 10.2km sprint with clinical precision.
Not as expected
While the morning shakedown suggested a smooth ride, the competitive stage told a different story. Vanagas, official Dakar legend, admitted the Spanish terrain was more treacherous than anticipated.
"The prologue was nothing like the tests," Vanagas said. "If the morning was soft and technical, this was the opposite: washouts, hard ground, deep holes, and plenty of rocks. It’s a totally different."
For Vanagas, this weekend is about data as much as speed. It is the team’s first appearance in the Cuenca region, and the focus remains on building a rhythm for the 2026 season.
The Tactical Road Ahead
The result leaves the Lithuanians in a strong tactical position for Saturday’s main event. Navigator Aisvydas Paliukėnas remains cautious but optimistic:
"Prologue was technical, dangerous, but smooth. We found a safe, fast rhythm today, but tomorrow is a long, slippery haul. The mission is simple: keep it on the road, but keep the speed".
"Our pace will increase with every kilometer," Vanagas added. "The goal is discipline".
Baja TT Cuenca
While the prologue offered a strong start, the true test of endurance begins tomorrow. Friday evening’s final standings will dictate the starting order.
In Cuenca, the weather remains the wildcard: if the rain arrives, the slick Spanish clay will favor the late runners, offering vital grip only after the surface is cleared.
For the Lithuanian team, the mission rests on the reliability of their Toyota GR DKR Hilux EVO T1+ Ultimate.
Source: Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics
Photo: KFoto 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.
