SAA Cargo flies racing vehicles to South America for Dakar Rally 2017

Jan 6, 2017: South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has partnered with Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Team for the 2017 Dakar Rally. The rally scheduled from January 2 to 14 across South American countries - Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina is often considered the second biggest motorsport event in the world.

South African Airways Cargo and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Team have been in partnership since 2012, which involves the transportation of the racing vehicles to Sao Paulo, Brazil en route to Argentina. The shipment consists of three vehicles and spares which weigh about 7,941 kgs.

The shipment took 16 hours to reach its destination with 11 hours spent on the aircraft. “Our association with such a huge international motor sport event provides us with an opportunity to showcase SAA Cargo’s capability and our country. Before the vehicles are transported, there is a lot of preparatory work done to ensure smooth transportation. We are proud of our team and the manner in which they ensure that the client’s expectations are fully met,” said TleliMakhetha, SAA Cargo’s General Manager.

The 39^thedition of the Dakar Rally will start in Asuncion, Paraguay; proceed to La Paz, Bolivia; and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 14 January 2017. The event takes place over 13 days and 12 racing stages and 450 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads will cover a total distance of around 9,500 kilometres.

“The team has over the years continued to impress by achieving podium finish at all races. We have no doubt that they will do us proud in their endeavour to achieve great results,” said Makhetha.

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA team will be represented by veteran Giniel de Villiers, Dirk von Zitzewitz and new comers to the team Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel.