Giniel de Villiers on his misfortunes in Dakar 2021 and developing the SA-built Hilux

• Giniel de Villiers competes in the 2021 Dakar rally, driving for the Toyota Gazoo Racing team.

• De Villiers won Stage 5 of this year's race.

• The South African is currently ninth overall.

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Known as 'Mr Consistent', South African rally legend, Giniel de Villiers has had a tough ol' time in the 2021 edition of the Dakar rally. The man from Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands had troubles over the first few stages of the race, but it came together in Stage 5 when he took his first win - the 17th career stage win Toyota Gazoo Racing driver.

At the midway point of the race, De Villiers is ninth overall, more than 2hrs 12min behind Stephane Peterhansel of Mini. De Villiers' Toyota Gazoo Racing team mate, Nasser Al-Attiyah, is second overall and 5min 53sec behind Peterhansel.

During the well-deserved rest day on Saturday, 9 January, the Toyota Gazoo Racing team sent video updates on the performances so far. De Villiers also gave insights into his race so far.

Giniel de Villiers on his way to victory on Stage 5 of Dakar 2021

Toyota Media

Compiled by: Charlen Raymond