Van Loon embarks on extensive program in run-up to Dakar 2022 with Toyota and Delaunay

After the Dakar Rally in January, Erik van Loon has been busy finalizing the 2021 program and contracting the right car. The program consists, for the time being, of four Bajas and four Cross Country Rallies, the program will conclude with the Dakar Rally in 2022. Van Loon will drive this program with the Toyota Hilux of the Belgian Overdrive Racing and will be navigated by Sébastien Delaunay.

“I'm really looking forward to it,” says Van Loon. “We had a lot of bad luck during the Dakar, I evaluated that with the Overdrive Racing team and from there we worked on a new deal in which quality is the central focus. I get a car that is used exclusively for me and Sébastien that is completely up-to-date. We are going to drive a lot this year to be well prepared at the start of the Dakar Rally.”

Toyota and Delaunay
Last Dakar there was a lot of discussion from the field about the difference between the buggies and the 4x4s. “As it stands now, the differences are getting smaller. They are busy adjusting the regulations. After next year, 'priority drivers' are no longer allowed to drive a buggy, so it is not interesting to do that for a year. I have had several discussions about this with other manufacturers, but I feel good in the Toyota and really enjoy driving it. The deal I have made with Overdrive suits the needs, so I am satisfied and look forward to driving the Hilux again.”

The collaboration with Delaunay was very successful in Dakar. “Sébastien did a great job. He's just really good and picks things up quickly. The digital road book was hardly a problem for him either. I'm looking forward to our collaboration again this year and I'm glad he wants to go with me again.”

Program 2021
Erik van Loon and Sébastien Delaunay's program has been expanded: “We want to drive a lot this year to be optimally prepared for the start of the Dakar Rally. That is why we are going to drive a diverse program.” The first event is the Dubai International Baja from February 18th to 20th. Followed by the Al Sharqiya Baja from 4 to 6 March, the Jordan Baja from 18 to 20 March and the Andalucia Rally from 12 to 17 May. After that, a new car will be built that will be used up to and including the Dakar Rally and it will be provided with the latest updates.

After a short break, the program continues with the Baja Aragon from 23 to 24 July, Rallye du Maroc from 7 to 13 October, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from 6 to 12 November and finally the Hail Rally from 28 November to 3 December in Saudi Arabia. “It is a challenging and diverse program with different facets, surfaces, landscapes. In fact we have had practically everything we get in Dakar. We may still change the program, but it will be this for the time being.”

The provisional calendar
Dubai International Baja (Dubai) - February 18 to 20
Al Sharqiya Baja (Saudi Arabia) - March 4-6
Jordan Baja (Jordan) - March 18-20
Andalucia Rally (Spain) - May 12-17
Baja Aragon (Spain) - July 23-24
Rallye du Maroc (Morocco) - October 7-13
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Abu Dhabi) - November 6-12
Hail Rally (Saudi Arabia) - November 28 to December 3
Dakar Rally (Saudi Arabia) - January 2022

Source: press release of Van Loon Racing