In addition to the usual operations in South Africa, SVR has created a division in Europe that will streamline its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. SVR announced the new branch on Sunday ahead of the South African Safari Rally.

SVR builds the Toyota GR DKR Hilux currently used by TGR and its regional subsidiaries like Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa. Since the flagship TGR is based in Germany, establishing a branch in Europe will make supply and support easier to coordinate.

The increased alliance with TGR replaces SVR’s partnership with Overdrive Racing, a Belgium-based Hilux team for privateers. Jordi Duran, who oversaw Overdrive as team manager for 11 years before his departure following the Jordan Baja in April, will be one of SVR Europe’s heads alongside Benoit Lavigne and Matty Green.

An SVR statement explains the team “will also provide technical and logistics services with the same commitment and outstanding dedication on W2RC rounds as well as FIA Baja World Cup and National events. Together with Toyota Gazoo Racing, we will join our forces to achieve great results at Dakar.”

SVR is run by Shameer Variawa, whose son Saood races in the World Rally-Raid Championship for TGRSA alongside Guy Botterill. Henk Lategan recently crossed the bridge between the European and South African teams as he will run the rest of the WRC with the former.

Featured image credit: SVR