TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) continued its 2026 South African National Rally Championship (SANRC) campaign with a determined showing at the Swartland Rally, where motoring journalist Mark Jones and navigator Kes Naidoo tackled their first gravel event together in the Toyota GR Yaris.
The rally, based in Malmesbury, hosted Rounds 2 and 3 of the championship, with Friday’s action counting as Round 2 and Saturday’s stages making up Round 3. Known for its fast, flowing gravel roads and technical sections, the Swartland Rally provided a comprehensive test for both car and crew.
For Jones, the event marked his first experience of rallying on gravel, and it proved to be a significant step up from the all-tar season opener.
“This was my first proper gravel rally, and it was a steep learning curve,” said Jones. “Swartland is known for its mix of fast flowing sections and tight, technical areas, so you really get exposed to everything rallying can throw at you.”
Friday’s opening leg saw the TGRSA crew adopt a measured approach, focusing on gaining experience and bringing the car home. The team also faced mechanical challenges during the day, largely a result of the ongoing development of the GR Yaris rally package. Despite this, the crew completed all five stages and were classified 12th overall and 5th in class.
Overnight, the team worked to address key areas and further refine the car, ensuring it was ready for the second leg of the rally.
Saturday’s stages saw a marked improvement in both pace and confidence, as Jones and Naidoo pushed harder while continuing to build experience on gravel. Their efforts were rewarded with a 10th-place overall finish and a podium position in NRC2, taking third in class.
“The second day was a big step forward for us,” Jones explained. “We were able to push more, and even with the limitations we had, we kept improving our pace. That was really encouraging.”
The rally also marked the continued evolution of the GR Yaris, with the introduction of a sequential gearbox, revised suspension setup, and further performance enhancements aimed at improving traction and responsiveness on loose surfaces.
“The car is evolving quickly,” added Jones. “It’s a very different machine now, especially in the technical sections where the extra torque and responsiveness really make a difference. There’s still a lot to learn, but we’re heading in the right direction.”
With two rounds completed on one of the country’s most demanding gravel rallies, TGRSA leaves the Swartland Rally with valuable experience, a class podium, and growing confidence in both car and crew.
The next round of the 2026 South African National Rally Championship will take the team to Tzaneen, in Limpopo, on 29 and 30 May. Known for its high rainfall, lush surroundings and a mix of fast forest roads and technical sections, the Tzaneen Rally presents a very different challenge, and another key opportunity for the TGRSA crew to continue their development on gravel.
Published by: Karabo Sethusha
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