Toyota Cooper Tires team conquers another Dakar contest

Jan. 20, 2011

As one of the most experienced Dakar racers in the contest, Xavier Foj and co-driver Pablo Jaton steered their Cooper Tires shod Toyota Land Cruiser safely through one of the toughest Dakar’s in recent history.

“I’ve completed 20 Dakars now and this was spectacular. The racing was tough and the heat was almost unbearable at times, but nothing can match the excitement and adventure of competing in this contest,” said Foj after arriving back in Buenos Aires.

The Dakar route took the competitors through Argentina and Chile, including stages across the Atacama Desert and the Andes. It started on New Year’s Day and ended on January 16.

Cooper Tire Europe managing director Julian Baldwin said, “This was a massive challenge for the team but everybody has done great and we finished with one vehicle right up there in the rankings.

“Jesús and Ignacio were doing really well but had the misfortune to pick up some serious damage to their Hilux, which ended their race.”

The Toyota Cooper Tires team fitted 255/75R15 and 245/75R15 STTs to the Land Cruiser for the event.