The Toyota Fortuner has been on the market for around seven years now, but, like the sixth Rocky film, the old horse is still able to compete on level footing with the much younger crowd. In the Asia Cross Country Rally 2023, Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia enlisted a pair of Fortuners to participate in the extremely challenging rally.
The Fortuners had a lot on their plate as it was facing against the all-new Mitsubishi Triton, however, if the headline was of any indication, the Fortuner won. Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia secured a remarkable first and second-place victory in the sixth and final rally stage as their Fortuner rally SUVs crossed the finish line.
The leading position was clinched by the #105 Fortuner team, comprised of Takuma Aoki, Ittipon Simaraks, and Songwut Danphiphattrankoon, who completed the race in a commendable 11 hours, 46 minutes, and 22 seconds. Following closely, the #121 Fortuner, steered by Tubagus Moerinsyahdi and Jatuporn Burakitpachai, achieved a total time of 11 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds to secure the second position. It should also be noted that the second Fortuner which also appears less modified than the #105 SUV only had four minutes and 22 seconds in between first place making Toyota’s victory in the 2023 AXCR all the more impressive.
Taking third place is the Mitsubishi Ralliart team which finished in 12 hours and 40 seconds. Facing challenges during the initial phases, last year's champion, Chayapon Yotha, driving the #101 Triton, ultimately secured the 3rd position in the overall rankings. The #112 Triton, operated by Japanese driver Katsuhiko Taguchi and Takahiro Yasui, concluded the race in the eighth spot, whereas the #106 Triton, driven by Rifat Sungkar, achieved the 32nd position.
While Mitsubishi Ralliart fell short of their ultimate goal of clinching the overall victory, their efforts were rewarded with the Team Award due to the successful participation of all three Triton vehicles that completed the rally.
The 2023 AXCR Rally covered a total of 2,033 km over seven days and six rally stages. After this successful entry by Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia, Mitsubishi is sure to come back stronger in next year’s Asia Cross Country Rally.
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