Vaidotas Žala will drive a Prodrive Hunter T1+ in the Dakar 2023 as the Lithuanian will drive the car that took three stage victories on the Dakar in 2022. Driving in the Teltonika Racing colours the car’s event logistics and support will come from the BRX team as they bring their decades of motorsport experience to Žala.
Following his best of 11th overall on the Dakar in 2022, Vaidotas will have vital seat time in the Hunter to have the best possible set up before the 14 stage route through Saudi Arabia that starts on December 31st. Prodrive engineers will work hand in hand with the Lithuanian rally champion to give him the best springboard to gun for another stage victory on the world’s toughest motorsport event.
Speaking at the launch of the new livery today, Vaidotas said,
“It’s a massive opportunity for me to drive the Prodrive Hunter in Dakar 2023 as it will be my first ever chance to start the rally with factory level machinery. I am especially looking forward to driving alongside Sebastien Loeb who is an icon for any upcoming rally driver. After my first test in Dubai, I was astonished by the capabilities of the Prodrive Hunter and it put a big smile on my face so I’m sure Dakar 2023 will be the most interesting rally in my career.”
The Prodrive Hunter T1+ has shown raw speed right from the start of it’s time on the stages as it took three stage victories on the Dakar 2022 with Sebastien Loeb and Orly Terranova before finishing second overall with Loeb. Following the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Frenchman Loeb is currently leading the FIA World Rally Raid Championship with Morocco and Andalucía remaining.
The Teltonika Racing Hunter will run with Prodrive EcoPower sustainable fuel that saves 80% carbon emissions while having the pace to win at the very top of international motorsport.
Gus Beteli, Team Principal of Bahrain Raid Xtreme
“Having Vaidotas with us for Dakar 2023 is proof of how much the rally raid world is watching us and how they admire the Hunter car and the BRX Team. We’re planning a four car team on Dakar 2023 with further names being announced soon. But first we are focussed on Morocco and Andalucía Rallies the final rounds of the 2022 FIA World Rally Raid Championship. These are exciting times for us here.”