A finish at the Ermelo Rally is crucial
After the disappointment of not finishing the GR Legends Rally, the only goal for the Ermelo Rally is to bring the car home.
The Ermelo Rally, held this weekend from August 21-22, 2026, is the fifth round of the 2026 South African National Rally Championship and is the longest test of the season so far. The event features 16 special stages spread across the weekend, with seven stages and roughly 70 competitive kilometers on Friday, and nine stages and around 77 kilometers on Saturday. Two night stages are included in the mix of fast gravel and highly technical sections.
The weather forecast for the rally is favorable, with mild, clear conditions and no rain predicted. This dry outlook is a relief, as changeable weather conditions have caused issues at previous rounds. Finishing strong and regaining momentum for the mid-point of the season is crucial for the championship, and the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa GR Yaris team is optimistic about their chances.
The team has made improvements, including repairing the GR Yaris after damage sustained at the GR Legends Rally and adjusting the suspension to optimize handling. The team manager, Leeroy Poulter, and sales and marketing vice president, Glenn Crompton, are confident in their abilities and prepared to face any challenges that come their way.
While acknowledging the importance of hard work and skill, the team recognizes that a bit of luck is essential for a successful rally. With a well-maintained car and experienced co-driver Kes Naidoo, the team is excited about the opportunity to finish the Ermelo Rally.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
