‘I’m as quick as I’ve ever been’: Guy Botterill sets sights on Dakar podium
MARK JONEs with Guy Botterill
South African rally driver Guy Botterill is targeting a strong Dakar Rally campaign after proving his pace against some of the world’s leading off-road competitors.
Botterill joined Citizen Motoring from Durban to discuss his career, his preparations for Dakar and his ambitions with Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa.
His motorsport journey began at just seven years old. He started karting after growing up around motorcycles and four-wheelers on his family’s farm.
Botterill later progressed through production cars and Formula racing before moving into rallying. He eventually became one of South Africa’s most successful rally drivers.
He won seven consecutive South African rally championships before earning a place with the factory Toyota team.
Botterill has also gained valuable international experience ahead of Dakar. He competed in Portugal’s World Rally-Raid Championship round against drivers including Sébastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz.
He finished fifth overall after losing time to punctures and illness. However, Botterill said his pace was strong enough to challenge the front runners.
He is now hoping to compete in Morocco and Abu Dhabi as further preparation for Dakar. Both events offer terrain and navigation challenges closer to what drivers face in Saudi Arabia.
Botterill remains confident about his chances despite facing a highly competitive field.
He believes around 20 drivers could realistically win Dakar. He says finishing inside the top 10 would already be an outstanding achievement.
A podium finish, however, remains his personal goal.
Botterill also highlighted the importance of navigation and mechanical sympathy in off-road racing. He believes knowing when to push and when to protect the car can make the difference.
His advice to aspiring rally drivers is simple: trust the pace notes and focus on braking points.
Botterill said reducing hesitation can make drivers significantly faster without increasing their risk.
With a new car currently being developed, Botterill expects to complete extensive testing before Dakar.
He believes his experience, confidence and recent pace give him a genuine chance of bringing home a strong result for South Africa and Toyota Gazoo Racing.
