The Safari Rally, one of the most iconic events in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, is set to feature an exciting mix of experienced drivers, rising stars and local heroes.
As expected, the rally will see top drivers from the WRC competing. Toyota Gazoo Racing will field a strong team with Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanpera and Takamoto Katsuta all of whom are no strangers to the podium. The three drivers will each drive the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. Sami Pajari also lines up in a GR Yaris Rally1 under Toyota’s second-string squad.
The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team is also bringing a trio of formidable drivers to Kenya: Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak and Adrien Fourmaux. Neuville, a consistent performer in the championship, will race the Hyundai i20 N Rally1, as will Tänak and Adrien.
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The Safari Rally also sees the return of promising talents in the WRC2 class. Oliver Solberg, who has shown great potential in recent seasons, will drive a Toyota GR Yaris in the Rally2 category. He’s expected to be a serious contender in the battle for WRC2 supremacy, with Fabrizio Zaldivar and Gus Greensmith, who will drive the Skoda Fabia RS, in the same category, looking to challenge for podium positions.
For local competitors, Karan Patel, Carl Tundo, and Jeremiah Wahome will be representing Kenya in the WRC2 category. These drivers have a deep connection to the rally stages and will be aiming to impress in front of the home crowd.
The entry list also features a strong contingent of Kenyan drivers who will compete in the National and ARC categories. In the NR4 class, a number of Kenyan teams will bring their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X cars, including Issa Amwari, Evans Nzioka, Fernand Rutabingwa, and Pauline Sheghu. These drivers are familiar with the unforgiving nature of the rally and will bring their experience and skill to the race.
Aakif Virani, driving a Skoda Fabia, will be among the favorites in the WRC2 (DCM/CC) and ARC categories, while Sameer Nanji driving a Subaru Impreza WRX and Timothy Gawaya, driving a SEAT Ibiza will also be hoping to make their mark.
Minesh Rathod will be competing in the NR4 class with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. Nikhil Sachania, a promising driver in the Ford Fiesta Rally3, will also represent Kenya in the WRC3 and ARC3 categories.
Yasin Nasser from Tanzania, driving a Ford Fiesta Mk II, will be aiming for a competitive finish in the WRC2 and ARC categories.
With the action spread across various stages in Naivasha and Nairobi, rally fans can look forward to four days of high-speed thrills, breathtaking views, and, of course, plenty of drama as the rally unfolds.