South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has partnered with Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Team to transport vehicles and spare parts to South America for the Dakar Rally.

The vehicles flew to Sao Paulo in Brazil, and the race starts in Asuncion, Paraguay; proceeding to La Paz in Bolivia before finishing in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 14 January.

The race takes place over 13 days with 450 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads covering 9,500 kilometres.

The racing vehicles were designed in line with size restrictions for the cargo holds and built in a way that they could be disassembled to the size of the pallet and container used.

SAA Cargo general manager, Tleli Makhetha says: “Our association with such a huge international motor sport event provides us with an opportunity to showcase SAA Cargo’s capability and our country.”

“Before the vehicles are transported, there is a lot of preparatory work done to ensure smooth transportation. We are proud of our team and the manner in which they ensure that the client’s expectations are fully met.”

The racing team are represented by Giniel de Villiers, Dirk von Zitzewitz, Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel.