Isidre Esteve completes preparations for Dakar 2023 with 5th place in T1

Isidre Esteve and Txema Villalobos 100 Hour Kilometers of the 4th and final stage of the Andalusia Rally in Andalusia. Cadiz18th scratch position in a record time of 1:29:54 – 12’39 inches from record –, 8th between T1These results are 5th place in category, 11th place overall in general classification the final competitive challenge for Repsol Toyota Rally Team before boarding Toyota Hilux T1+ on its way to Dakar 2023.

The Andalusia Rally 2022 has already been made history for Esteve and Villalobos, who, as the Lleida driver sums it up, said goodbye on a short final stage with two very different halves of the route. Triera and slow zone. Stones are always there, so we had to tweak our riding to avoid punctures. In the end, I’m happy with my performance as the pace was good and there were no accidents. The final prize was a beautiful podium on the beach. Every day since we landed in Seville, we have felt the love of all our fans. ”

The care of the Toyota Hilux T1+ was particularly important today Sunday as the vehicle completed its final competitive mileage before embarking in Marseille for Dakar at the end of November. But before you start thinking about January’s great events, Isidre Esteve draws a conclusion from the events in Andalusia. “Fifth place in T1, topped by four of the best riders in the world so far, and eleventh scratch in a race on a route suitable for motorcycles and buggies. Very satisfied. We have been able to demonstrate a high level of performance under such severe driving conditions. Moreover, it was a perfect training session. On the one hand, I tested a lot on the car, such as the brakes, which withstood a very high level of fatigue, and on the other hand, I also tested it for Txema and myself. For Chema it was because he sailed perfectly and for me it was because I had to give my best when it came to driving. ”

End of preparations for Dakar 2023

After the Repsol Toyota Rally Team’s preparation period for Dakar 2023, Esteve said: “Between Morocco and Andalusia, spectacular preparations have been made for January’s big challenge. . The controls are working perfectly and I only have to make 4 minor adjustments over the next few weeks and have the car prepped and checked. The level of Dakar will be very high, so we have a very big challenge ahead of us, but I am confident that we will be competitive. ”

At the end of November, the Repsol Toyota Rally Team joined the remaining European members of the Dakar Caravan, Hilux T1+ Method Arabicwhere on Saturday, December 31, 2022the race begins.