Two-time champions of the Dakar Rally on bikes, Toby Price and Sam Sunderland, have successfully completed their first test of the T1+ Overdrive Toyota Hilux, which will be their new vehicle for the 2025 Dakar Rally.
They took their first drive in the Hilux, gaining valuable experience before the start of the Dakar Rally in the new year. Although they have both previously competed in the famous event on two wheels, they will now have to work together inside the car.
Here are the key points to know: Australian racer Toby Price has won the Dakar Rally twice, in 2016 and 2019, for the KTM Factory Racing team, while his co-driver Sunderland claimed victory in 2017 and 2022. Price has been competing in car events since 2015 and has already secured a win at the Baja 500 this year, as well as podium finishes in the Stadium Super trucks. Sunderland retired from bike racing this year and made his debut in car racing at the Dubai Baja event last week with Hannes Kinigadner.
They are the first ever pairing of Dakar bike champions to compete in the car category. The main challenges for the duo will be communication, teamwork, and adapting to a new environment, but they are confident that they have already learned a lot from their first test.
After announcing his switch from bikes to cars earlier this year, two-time Australian Dakar Rally champion Toby Price and his co-driver and fellow two-time winner Sam Sunderland focused on getting comfortable in the car during their testing session. Price commented, “It’s a bit surreal to finally see everything come together after such a long time. We are excited to reveal our car to the world and showcase the amazing partners who are supporting us.”

With a combined total of over 20 Dakar Rally experiences, Price and Sunderland believe their previous experience in opening stages on bikes will work in their favour. Sunderland also noted the advantage of being able to focus solely on driving without the added task of navigation, while Price highlighted the experience they bring as a pair. Price stated, “Having two bike guys in one car is definitely an advantage. We may make mistakes, but we will also have the advantage of following some bike lines as well as car lines, so once we get into a rhythm, we will be in good shape.” Sunderland added, “I have been lucky to have been in this sport for a long time and have great relationships with both riders and drivers. I recently had the chance to talk to Mathieu Baumel, and I’m trying to absorb as much information as possible. There is still a lot to learn, but I’m picking out the key points from all the information and taking it one day at a time.”
Price explained their ambitions for their first year in the car category, saying, “Even though we have a lot of Dakar Rally experience, it’s a new category for us, and previous wins do not guarantee success. A top-10 finish would be a great result.” Sunderland began practicing as a navigator before the test with Price, joining Hannes Kinigadner at the Dubai Baja last week. He shared, “I’m looking forward to this new adventure, but I’m also a bit nervous. It’s reassuring to have a roll cage and seatbelt, but I’m still anxious. I can do basic mechanic work, but I don’t know how quickly we will have to work under pressure. Hopefully, we won’t get too many flat tires!” Price added, “It’s incredibly exciting to see everything come together after months of emails and messages. Seeing it all in person is a special moment, and I am grateful to everyone who helped us get to the start line of the Dakar Rally.”
The 2025 Dakar Rally will begin on 3rd January and end on 17th January.