The Lithuanian duo secured maximum FIA European Baja Cup points and clinched an impressive overall podium despite treacherous conditions.
Dakar legend Benediktas Vanagas and co-driver Aisvydas Paliukėnas have conquered the grueling Italian Baja.
The Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics crew claimed a decisive victory in the FIA European Baja Cup classification. They backed up the class win by securing a hard-fought third place in the absolute overall standings.
Tough Conditions
The Italian event lived up to its demanding reputation. Blistering heat, deep water crossings, and shifting rocks littered the dry riverbeds. Navigating the treacherous 430-kilometre course required ultimate precision. One wrong move meant instant mechanical disaster.
A single puncture on Saturday was the only blemish on an otherwise dominant weekend for the Lithuanians.
"We collected vital championship points," Vanagas said immediately after the finish. "The result could have been even better without yesterday's puncture. But that is racing. The competition was fierce, the car performed perfectly, and we keep moving forward."
This marked Vanagas’s sixth time competing at the Italian Baja. Even with several entirely new stages introduced this year, his experience proved decisive in guiding the Toyota Hilux through the challenge.
Blinding Dust
The grid was packed with world-class talent. A record 91 crews from 28 countries lined up in Italy, battling across four different championship classifications simultaneously.
A tough prologue on opening day forced the Lithuanian duo to start down the order, leaving them to fight through blinding walls of dust kicked up by rivals ahead.
"We did a fantastic job considering the circumstances," co-driver Paliukėnas added. "Driving in that dust was incredibly difficult. You always want to be one step higher on the podium, but given what we faced, we are thrilled to be at the finish line."
What's Next?
The Italian Baja is a critical stop on the eight-round 2026 FIA European Baja Cup calendar.
Vanagas and Paliukėnas will have little time to rest. The team now turns its attention to Spain, preparing their Toyota GR DKR Hilux EVO T1+ for the upcoming Baja Aragon - an event promising to be just as punishing as Italy.
Source: Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics
Photo: MCH
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