De Villiers finally negative for Covid-19 and on his way to the Dakar

Will Giniel de Villiers finally be at the start of the 2022 Dakar? In any case, the South African is working hard to compete in what could be one of his last opportunities to shine in the most famous of rally-raids. The Hilux, deeply reworked to comply with the new T1 regulation+, has been developed over the last few months by him.

Shortly after celebrating Christmas, the winner of the 2009 edition, then contested on the South American continent, was declared positive for coronavirus. Le Toyota Gazoo Racing then quickly contacted Kris Meeke to take the wheel of the Hilux bearing the number 307 at short notice.

For the Northern Irishman, this represents an exceptional opportunity. A rookie in 2020, the ex-rallyman fell under the spell of this long-distance event within the French PH Sport team and an SSV T3 Zephyr. Winner of the last stage following multiple incidents worthy of hazing, Kris Meeke was very clear about his intentions when emptying the sand from his suit.

« I want to explore opportunities in this discipline. I love the adventure, the racing style. My co-driver Wouter (Rosegaar) was fantastic and I want to progress in this world. I learned a lot and I want to use these lessons in the future. » Since Sunday December 26, the man with five victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with Citroën is thus in Jeddah and… waits.

For his part, Giniel de Villiers continued to fight to begin his 19th consecutive participation in the Dakar without the slightest abandonment. So, this Tuesday morning, he underwent a new blood test at the end of which he was declared negative for Covid-19.

To reach Jeddah as quickly as possible, the South African rented a private jet. Once in Saudi Arabia, he will have to take a test again which will determine whether or not he can start the race.

Meanwhile, Kris Meeke has no choice but to walk around in circles in his hotel room. The happiness of one often causes the unhappiness of others...