Press Release
Feb. 06, 2007
Team Toyo Shows Outstanding Performances in the 2007 Dakar Rally
Toyo Tire Rubber Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Yoshio Kataoka) supported three teams in the toughest endurance rally raid in the world (commonly known as the Dakar Rally), lasting sixteen days and covering a total race distance of 7,915 km, of which 4,309 km were special stages. The teams included Tecnosport Italia (Driver: Kenjiro Shinozuka), Team Dakar USA (Driver: Robby Gordon), and Pro System Racing (Driver: Eric Vigouroux).
The 2007 Dakar Rally ended on Sunday, January 21st, and a total of 300 vehicles (58% of 517 starters) finished the race, including 109 cars (59% of 185 starters), 132 motorbikes (out of 247 starters, including quads), and 59 camion trucks (out of 85 starters). Robby Gordon won the sixth stage and the open category, claiming eighth place overall. Kenjiro Shinozuka, almost retiring from the race due to drivetrain failure, finished last in the first stage, but steadily moved up in the rankings, finishing 59th overall. Eric Vigouroux retired in the eighth stage due to car failure.
Toyo Tires was able to show off the durability of its off-road tires in this tough race. We will also continue promoting the development of rally tires as well as supporting teams in the 30th anniversary rally in order to improve its technology and brand image.
Overall Ranking (Car) [The 16th Day - Sunday, January 21st - Stage 15]
| Pos. | Driver | Make | Time (Variation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephane Peterhansel | Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution | 45:53:37 (00:00:00) |
| 2 | Luc Alphand | Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution | 46:01:03 (00:07:26) |
| 3 | Jean-Louis Schlesser | Schlesser-Ford | 47:27:34 (01:33:57) |
| 4 | Mark Miller | Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 | 48:03:53 (02:10:16) |
| 5 | Hiroshi Masuoka | Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution | 48:38:08 (02:44:31) |
| 6 | Nasser Al-Attiyah | BMW X3 | 49:25:36 (03:31:59) |
| 7 | Carlos Sousa | Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 | 51:04:31 (05:10:54) |
| 8 | Robby Gordon | Hummer | 52:57:44 (07:04:07) |
| 9 | Carlos Sainz | Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 | 53:19:22 (07:25:45) |
| 10 | Stephane Henrard | Volkswagen BUGGY VW TDI | 54:22:06 (08:28:29) |
| 59 | Kenjiro Shinozuka | Nissan Pathfinder | 74:31:36 (28:37:59) |
| - | Eric Vigouroux | Chevrolet Silverado | Retired |
Toyo Tire Corporation
Corporate Communications Dept.
Hyogo Head office Telephone: +81-72-789-9100 Facsimile: +81-72-773-3272
