Rokas Baciuška to Test the "Toyota Hilux Overdrive" Vehicle

This year, while defending his World Rally-Raid Championship title in the T4 buggy class, Rokas Baciuška will get a chance to experience his dream a bit earlier than planned – driving a T1+ car.

With time available between other major races and receiving an unexpected yet very appealing offer from the "Overdrive Racing" team, the racer will compete in Spain's most famous rally raid event, "Baja Aragon." Baciuška’s co-driver will be Oriol Vidal Montijano, who has successfully navigated for the Lithuanian in his buggy so far.

This "Baja" stage is considered one of the toughest, attracting Dakar legends like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Yazeed Al-Rajhi. While the race is expected to be highly competitive, Baciuška emphasizes that his focus while testing the "Toyota Hilux" will not be on the results. His goal is to feel the speed and successfully finish.

"I’ll probably only believe it next week when I sit in the car prepared for me. I’m excited, eager, and at the same time, a bit nervous, realizing I have a unique opportunity to test a T1+ much earlier than expected. I’m grateful to everyone who believes in my potential. I have no doubt it will be an interesting experience to tame a much larger, more powerful machine," Baciuška shared.

The racer’s main goal this year remains to become World Rally-Raid Champion for the second time in a row. Once achieved, he will switch to a T3 class buggy and start preparing for the rapidly approaching 2024 Dakar Rally.

"In my view, results come only from constantly driving, staying in shape by participating in different races, and familiarizing myself with as many global tracks as possible. Spain's 'Baja,' which runs through rocky terrain and dusty roads, will be another important milestone in my journey, and I aim to gain as much experience as possible there," Baciuška summarized.

The young driver has never hidden his desire to get behind the wheel of a car as soon as possible but also acknowledges the importance of progressing through all the necessary steps. Baciuška's motivation is boosted by his current team’s belief in his future potential, along with the support of his family and sponsors.

The "Baja Aragon" race will not only feature competitive opponents but also treacherous stages. Over three days, the crew will have to cover around 540 kilometers. The "Baja Aragon" race in Teruel, Spain, will take place from July 20-22.