Dakar 2027: Dania Akeel to drive the Toyota hydrogen Hilux
The newsroomUpdated on October 22, 20264 minDania Akeel is named driver of the Toyota DKR GR FC Hilux fuel-cell prototype, which Gazoo Racing will enter in the Mission 1000 class at Dakar 2027.
Key point
On 21 October 2026, Dania Akeel was named driver of the hydrogen Toyota DKR GR FC Hilux that Gazoo Racing will enter in Mission 1000 at Dakar 2027.
Dania Akeel was named on 21 October 2026 as driver of the Toyota DKR GR FC Hilux, the hydrogen fuel-cell prototype that Gazoo Racing will enter in the Mission 1000 class at Dakar 2027.
A driver with off-road experience
Dania Akeel currently races a Hilux with Overdrive Racing. She won the FIA Middle East Baja Cup in 2025 and alternates between the Hilux and the Taurus T3 Max. She wants to move to the Ultimate category full-time with the Hilux.
A fuel-cell Hilux
Unveiled in July 2026, the DKR GR FC Hilux is a fuel-cell electric vehicle. It was developed by Overdrive, with Toyota Racing GmbH in Brussels and Toyota's division in Japan. It keeps the chassis, safety cell, suspension and brakes of the conventional DKR GR Hilux.
- Four high-pressure hydrogen tanks weighing 8.4 kg in total, the same as those of the Toyota Mirai.
- Two fuel cells, controlled by an IAV Dragoon computer.
- A claimed output of 400 kW.
- A body made from a blend of carbon and natural fibres.
- A high-voltage cooling system and a dedicated e-axle.
Mission 1000: a laboratory rather than a race to win
The Mission 1000 class is for experimental vehicles: the route covers about 1,000 km over 13 stages, with a driver and a co-driver in each crew. Toyota is not necessarily aiming for victory. The goal is to gather real-world data on how the fuel cell copes with heat, dust and vibration.
Testing takes place in Belgium, with expansion to other sites planned in the coming months. The project is mainly meant to shrink the fuel cell and improve cooling, durability and energy management.
Partners in the project include Jameel Motorsport, Denso, IAV and Toyo Tires. The data is meant to feed Toyota's commercial-vehicle roadmap, with a road-going fuel-cell Hilux planned for 2028 and a target range of more than 400 km and a maximum towing capacity of around 2,500 kg.
The sources consulted do not name Dania Akeel's co-driver.
Frequently asked questions
Who will drive the Toyota DKR GR FC Hilux at Dakar 2027?
Dania Akeel, named on 21 October 2026. She currently races a Hilux with Overdrive Racing.
What is the Mission 1000 class?
A class for experimental vehicles and new technology: about 1,000 km over 13 stages, with a driver and a co-driver in each crew.
Is the hydrogen Hilux aiming to win?
Not necessarily: Toyota mainly wants to test the fuel cell in heat, dust and vibration, and to collect data.
Sources
- 131 Offroad — Dania Akeel to race the Toyota DKR GR FC Hilux
- AutoGuide — Toyota reveals hydrogen fuel-cell Hilux for the 2027 Dakar
- autoevolution — Gazoo Racing and the DKR GR FC Hilux at Dakar 2027
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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