What started as a clear long-term goal for Toby Price has now become reality. Owlpine Group has secured Toby a seat with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC for the 2026 Dakar Rally, placing him in the all-new GR Hilux T1+ alongside experienced Spanish navigator Armand Monleón. The announcement comes as Toyota prepares to defend its W2RC manufacturers title with three new GR Hilux entries at Dakar in Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17, 2026.

Toby shared the news with deep gratitude and focus. He said joining a factory Toyota program is a career landmark, and he is thankful to Toyota, Red Bull, Peter Kittle Motor Company, and every partner who backed the push to this point. He also pointed to the lessons from his four-wheel Dakar debut in 2025, where he and Sam Sunderland retired after Stage 7, and said that setback sharpened his drive to return stronger. With the new GR Hilux featuring a lighter, stiffer chassis and reinforced transmission, Toby believes the package removes key variables and gives the crew a platform to fight at the front.

Matthew Macalpine, founder of Owlpine Group, said the signing reflects years of steady work, relationship building, and belief in Toby’s four-wheel future. The Dakar Rally is the toughest test in off-road racing, and factory seats are rare. Securing this role with Toyota places Toby inside the strongest possible environment for performance and growth. Owlpine Group will now lead the commercial, media, and strategic support around the program so Toby and Armand head into Yanbu with full momentum. The target is clear. Fight for the outright win, and keep building a legacy that spans both two wheels and four.