B.Vanags’ first kilometers with a new car: E.Juškauskas’s old car was tested by an Estonian driver

The test series is not yet complete

According to B. Vanagas, who reached the Baltic record in the Dakar Rally, the differences between the old car and the new one are obvious.

“The new Hilux is philosophically different. The center of gravity shifted to the center of the car has drastically changed management. The Hilux has become unequivocally faster, but it has reduced the sense of control precision of a previously used sports car. I think During the remaining tests in Lithuania and Saudi Arabia, we will properly equip the car with my skills and be ready for the Dakar, ”said B. Vanagas.

Inbank Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics has two more tests: technical readiness tests, during which the crew will practice to calibrate the car in speed sections, and a joint test program with Toyota Gazoo Racing, planned in Saudi Arabia.

Updates are felt immediately

The Lithuanian, who started as a driver most of the time in Dakar, points out that the new Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux IMA model is not visually different from the previous IRS. The main differences lie in the technical level of the car and were revealed in the first kilometers.

“Conceptually, the Toyota Hilux is radically different from the previous car. I would point out three main differences. This means moving the engine into the car’s cabin and lowering it. This upgrade provides a better weight balance and allows the suspension levers to be extended.

The suspension travel has remained the same, but this change makes the wheel geometry more precise when driving on uneven surfaces. And the third is the tire pressure monitoring system, which allows us to monitor the condition of the tires without leaving the car. This is especially important in the rocky landscape of Saudi Arabia “, detailed B. Vanagas.

Thanks to the aforementioned weight distribution in the central part of the car, the racer equated the new Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux with karting. Another noted improvement is the gearbox work. According to the athlete, the gears of this car are connected more smoothly and easily.

E.Juškauskas also prepares for the Dakar Rally

Edvinas Juškauskas and Aisvydas Paliukėnas practiced in the tests together with B.Vanags. E.Juškauskas was sitting behind the wheel of B.Vanag’s previous car for the second time. With the Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux IRS model, the racer started the Baja Drawsko this year. According to the athlete, the first kilometers with this car in Poland were especially cared for, so during the tests, the most daring crew tested the car and got used to the most advanced equipment that will be used in the Dakar 2021.

Estonian off-road racer Urvo Männama also took part in the tests, intending to link his sporting future with the Inbank Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics team. During testing, the Estonian tested E. Juškauskas’s previous car (Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux OTB model), with which he is considering participating in the 2022 Dakar Rally.