Botterill and Köhne power Toyota Gazoo Racing to GR Stella 1000 victory

All three Toyota GR Hilux IMT EVOs finished inside the overall top five, while Toyota also secured the Manufacturer's Award. Guy Botterill and Henry Köhne laid the foundation for victory on Friday in the 2026 GR Stella 1000 Marathon by posting the fourth-fastest time in the qualifying race before winning the opening two stages to take the overnight lead. From there, the pair opened the road throughout Saturday and Sunday, facing some of the event’s most challenging navigation through long grass, sparse tracks and classic desert-race terrain. Despite the disadvantage of running first on the road, the crew never relinquished their advantage, bringing the Toyota GR Hilux IMT EVO home in a winning time of 9hr 49min 53sec after six competitive stages. It marked a dream first outing for Köhne alongside Botterill, who produced a faultless drive to secure victory in South Africa’s premier marathon rally-raid event. Botterill led the whole way “Unbelievable,” said Botterill afterwards. “It was a tough few days, leading the way all the way and opening the road throughout. “We had a flawless run with no mistakes. And it is really special to win Toyota Gazoo Racing’s home event. “A thousand kilometres of racing is no joke. Especially in this terrain. But we are super happy to stand on the top step of the podium.” Botterill was equally complimentary of his new navigator. “Henry was phenomenal. From practice to the first corner. It felt like we’d been together for a long time. “We’ve competed against each other for many years. But this was our first event together in the car and it worked fantastically.” The Toyota GR Hilux IMT EVO romping home to victory. Picture: Supplied Late setback costs Saood Variawa Championship leader Saood Variawa and Charan Moore once again demonstrated race-winning pace throughout the marathon. The pair remained within striking distance of the leaders throughout the event and started the final day less than a minute behind their team-mates. They mounted a determined charge during Sunday’s stages before their rally was disrupted by an incident involving a spectator vehicle on a transfer section before the final competitive stage. Although the crew repaired the damage and continued, they lost valuable time and eventually finished fifth overall. Solid performance from Sa’aad Variawa Youngster Sa’aad Variawa and navigator Wade Harris continued their impressive development by finishing fourth overall in what was their first marathon event. The pair overcame navigation challenges early in the event before sustaining front-end damage after striking a rock during Sunday’s running. Despite the setback, they persevered to complete the marathon just over 10 minutes behind the winners. Toyota Gazoo Racing on the top step of the podium once again. Picture: Supplied Durability and reliability are key to winning “Winning your home event has often proven to be a tricky prospect. But I am delighted that Guy and Henry were able to secure victory at the GR Stella 1000 Marathon,” said Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors. “Toyota has long been associated with the longest and toughest races on the local calendar. Taking the top step of the podium after 1 000-km of racing once again underscores the values of quality, durability and reliability that are central to everything we do.” “To see all three of our Toyota GR Hilux IMT EVO crews finish inside the overall top five, while also securing the Manufacturer’s Award, makes the result even more rewarding.” The result capped another successful weekend for the team, with the Toyota GR Hilux IMT EVO once again demonstrating the characteristics that have become its trademarks in both local and international rally-raid competition. Next up Langkloof Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa now turns its attention to the Century Property Developments / Century Racing Endurance Race in the Langkloof on 28 and 29 August.