Jean-Marc Fortin moved after his team’s victory in the Dakar: “A special flavor”

Yazeed Al Rajhi is in fact engaged in a private capacity and reports directly to the structure based in Villers-le-Bouillet. A structure that has come a long way since its beginnings in 2007. The Nissans have given way to the Toyotas over the years, and the Hut troops, who often box above their own weight, have become the giant’s trusted men. Japanese. This triumph under the colors of Overdrive and not Toyota Gazoo Racing will forever have a special place in the prize list of the black-yellow-red team which deserves this consecration a thousand times over.

“What can I say?”admitted a very emotional Jean-Marc Fortin during the final podium ceremony. “We have already won with Nasser Al-Attiyah under the colors of Toyota Gazoo Racing. But winning under your own name has a special flavor. Winning with Yazeed involved a whole new level of investment. Everyone dreams of winning the Dakar, and we did it. In 2023, Overdrive Racing finished 3rd under their own name with Lucas Moraes. In 2024, we did it again but with Guillaume de Mévius who finished 2nd. This Friday, we won! I have no words…”

This gold medal is all the more remarkable as it was acquired at the end of the most competitive edition since 2010, when the Dakar took place in South America.

“I’m happy and it’s really a great day for all of us,” he continues. “I would like to take this opportunity to salute our friends from Toyota South Africa and Henk Lategan who fought well against us, and who ultimately finished 2nd. I thank the organizers but also Toyota Gazoo Racing for their trust. We lead the world championship for drivers and manufacturers at the end of this Dakar. Wow!”

We can count on Jean-Marc Fortin and his troops to celebrate this with dignity upon their return home. A Belgian team which overcomes the most terrible of raids is an immense source of pride. From now on, well done gentlemen and champagne!

The Dakar on LN24: Watch this evening at 10 p.m. exclusively the 52-minute summary of the stage and exclusive interviews