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WRC's most gruelling challenge, The Great Kenyan Experience.

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Tree Planting - Maintaining the serenity and continuity of the eco systems that make the Safari Rally Special

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Rovanperä Triumphs in Dominant Safari Rally Victory

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Kalle Rovanperä Maintains Commanding Lead as Safari Rally Nears Finale

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President Ruto Rallies Kenyans to attend WRC Safari Rally

Meet the drivers.

Meet the Kenyan Drivers participating in the Safari Rally 2024

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safari rally racing in kenya

Škoda Fabia R5

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Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo

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Ford Fiesta R5

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Ford Fiesta Rally3

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Safari Rally Kenya

Kenya

29 – 31 March 2024

Watch Replay on Red Bull TV

Sunday highlights - Kenya

Sun, 31 March 2024

Part of event series

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FIA World Rally Championship

The fia world rally championship puts drivers against some of the toughest conditions on the planet..

The untamed terrain of Safari Rally Kenya offers drivers the ultimate test of endurance, including mud, rocks, fesh-fesh sand and challenging water crossings.

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Safari Rally Kenya: Day 4 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing roars to fourth successive Safari triumph

2024.3.31 (Sun)

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has won the legendary Safari Rally Kenya for the fourth year in a row, with Kalle Rovanperä leading Takamoto Katsuta in a one-two finish on the demanding African event.

Car 69 (Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen)

The team continues its unbeaten run on the toughest round of the FIA World Rally Championship since its return to the calendar in 2021, while also extending the all-time Safari record set by Toyota to 12 victories.

The result once more demonstrates the strength and reliability of the GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID, which for this event featured an updated suspension package as well as a distinctive snorkel system: a modern take on an iconic feature of Safari-specification cars of the past.

It is the second time that Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen have won the event after their 2022 success. Their victory was built on a phenomenal performance on the first full day of the rally on Friday, where they were fastest in all six stages to open up a lead of almost one minute. This enabled Rovanperä to take caution where required on the longest and toughest day on Saturday – where he still won the rally’s longest stage by nearly 25s as most of his competitors hit trouble.

With his lead up above two minutes, Rovanperä could take a safety-first approach through much of the final day’s six stages and 74.38 competitive kilometres, ultimately sealing victory by 1m37.8s.

Katsuta achieved his third podium result from four starts in Kenya, repeating his second-place finish from 2021. He and co-driver Aaron Johnston drove a well-measured rally, with two stage wins on Saturday helping them overcome a double puncture that had cost them over a minute.

Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin ensured that all three Toyotas finished inside the top four. They ran as high as second before sustaining punctures on three separate occasions through Saturday’s rough and rocky stages. That left the podium places out of their reach, but they still gave their all to score as many points as possible on Sunday, where they were third-fastest over the day and fifth in the Power Stage.

With its one-two finish, TGR-WRT took the maximum manufacturers’ points from the overall classification plus an extra 11 bonus points on Sunday and moves into a four-point lead in the championship. Evans took a total of 16 points from his weekend to keep him second in the drivers’ standings, six from the lead.

Quotes: Akio Toyoda (TGR-WRT Chairman) “For all the team members, congratulations on the first victory this season and on winning Safari Rally Kenya for the fourth year in a row! Kalle, Jonne, congratulations on another victory in Kenya after two years, and thank you for the clever driving and running through those rough roads without trouble. Takamoto and Aaron, congratulations on returning to the podium in Kenya also after two years! It was great that you completed all those stages. The pre-event test just before Kenya was done in Portugal and it was raining heavily at the time. The team reported to me that they had heavy rain “luckily” and many parts got broken. Unlike previous years, the rally was held during the rainy season, and the engineers and mechanics continued to make improvements including the countermeasures for rain until just before the rally started. When I heard the word “luckily”, I recalled the words from GR Yaris engineers. They always tell me, one of the master drivers in Toyota, “Thank you for breaking the car as it will become even stronger!” So this time, on behalf of the team, I want to thank the rain in Portugal for making the GR Yaris Rally 1 stronger and brought us the first win. And of course I would like to thank all the team members who improved the car until the very last minute. The same road can be a different road in different seasons and weather, and because we compete on such roads and in such conditions, cars become stronger and our ever-better car making progresses. I believe rally is that kind of sport. The next events will be happening with two-week intervals. I am hoping that everyone in the team will take care of their health and continue to make ever-better cars.”

Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal) “We are very happy to win the Safari Rally once again and take our first win of the season in such style here in Kenya. Kalle was really dominating the rally from the beginning with a very clever approach. He didn’t have any issues the whole weekend, thanks to the team which provided such a good car, and also the way he was able to drive, thinking about when to attack and when to save the car. We’re also really happy to see Taka on the podium in second place. This seems to be a rally that he really loves, and after the disappointment he had in Sweden, this is a really good result for him and the team. Luck was not on Elfyn’s side but he was fighting really hard and well to take as many points as he could for the championship. For now we will enjoy this moment and then work towards the next challenge in Croatia.”

Kalle Rovanperä (Driver car 69) “It’s special to be able to win the Safari for the second time. This event is so tough and it’s also a legendary one for Toyota: we have always been good here and we are still continuing that record. Like they say in Africa, the car in front is always a Toyota. A big thanks to the team, because everybody made a big effort to make the car work so well. I think we did a good job, I think you cannot do a better Safari than what we did, with no issues and clever driving. Today was difficult, having to drive the roughest stage on the calendar twice when you have a huge lead, trying to avoid everything, it’s not easy. We just needed to stick to the plan and it worked out.”

Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33) “It’s not been an easy weekend for us. At least we could reach the end of the rally which is a positive thing, but we wanted more from this weekend. Today we had good speed at points but there were just a few little issues so we didn’t get as many points as we’d like. The first loop was not easy: the opening stage was extremely rough and we were probably too conservative there compared to the others. In the Power Stage we gave it a go but already in the first half it was very difficult.”

Takamoto Katsuta (Driver car 18) “It’s a very nice feeling to achieve this second place and to be on the podium again in Kenya. It was a tough rally like always, so we need to say a huge thanks to the team because they prepared very well and the car was working so well. I made some mistakes yesterday and we got the punctures, but I could always trust the car. When we needed to push, we were able to push and the times were good. Reliability is a strong point for Toyota and I’m very proud to drive this car.”

PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, SAFARI RALLY KENYA 1 Kalle Rovanperä/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) 3h36m04.0s 2 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +1m37.8s 3 Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID) +2m25.1s 4 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +4m20.2s 5 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +10m.17.5s 6 Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +18m05.4s 7 Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +19m28.5s 8 Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +21m02.0s 9 Jourdan Serderidis/Fréderic Miclotte (Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID) +26m13.3s 10 Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +26m34.4s (Results as of 15:30 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com )

2024 FIA World Rally Championship for drivers after round 3: 1 Thierry Neuville 67 points 2 Elfyn Evans 61 3 Adrien Fourmaux 46 4 Ott Tänak 33 5 Kalle Rovanperä 31 6 Takamoto Katsuta 30 7 Sébastien Ogier 24 8 Esapekka Lappi 23 9 Oliver Solberg 12 10 Andreas Mikkelsen 6

2024 FIA World Rally Championship for manufacturers after round 3: 1 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team 131 points 2 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 127 3 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 72

What's next? The Croatia Rally (April 18-21) is held on challenging asphalt roads around the country’s capital city, Zagreb. As well as a mix of fast and more technical sections, the stages feature constant surface and grip changes.

Podium Ceremony

Follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT: ∇Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOYOTAGAZOORacingWRC ∇X: https://x.com/TGR_WRC (@TGR_WRC) ∇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tgr_wrc/ (@TGR_WRC) ∇YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TOYOTAGAZOORacingJPchannel

Rd.3 Safari Rally Kenya

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WRC - Neuville leads Safari Rally Kenya after Kasarani Super Special

2024 Safari Rally Kenya - Thursday

  • World Rally Championship
  • SEASON 2024
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safari rally racing in kenya

FIA World Rally Championship leader Thierry Neuville took a slender 0.1-second lead over his Hyundai team-mate Ott Tänak after winning Safari Rally Kenya’s opening stage on Thursday.

Thousands of passionate fans were vying for every possible vantage point as this 71st edition of the iconic Safari Rally got underway in the suburbs of Kenya’s capital. It followed a glittering ceremonial start in downtown Nairobi which was attended by President William Ruto and his Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba. FIA Vice President for Sport Africa Rodrigo Rocha, FIA Secretary General for Sport Valerio Iachizzi and KMSF Chairman Maina Muturi were among the guests.

safari rally racing in kenya

Neuville, who carries a three-point championship lead into this round, edged his i20 N partner Tänak by a single tenth over the 4.84km opener, while reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä completed the top three just 0.7s further back.

Having recorded two non-finishes in Kenya from three previous attempts, Neuville is well aware that the going will get tougher from Friday onwards.

"It will be a challenging event,” Neuville affirmed. “Our fingers are crossed that, this time, we can get through without any technical problems or mistakes. I think we are well prepared, and I am feeling good in the car, so it's always good to start a rally like this.”

Africa has been home to two of Takamoto Katsuta’s four WRC podiums. Driving a Toyota GR Yaris identical to Rovanperä’s, he dropped just 0.9s whilst posting the fourth-best time ahead of Hyundai rival Esapekka Lappi.

safari rally racing in kenya

Elfyn Evans, currently second in the points, went sixth-quickest in his Toyota with M-Sport Ford Puma youngster Adrien Fourmaux following closely behind. Gus Greensmith set the pace in WRC2, taking eighth overall in a Škoda Fabia RS, while Grégoire Munster and Oliver Solberg completed the top 10.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, FIA Vice-President for Sport Africa Rodrigo Rocha highlighted that  "the Safari Rally, that is truly cherished by our President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, brings a very unique touch to this championship. Kenya, with its special sand, fesh-fesh and iconic Masai spirit is a perfect setting for a true African Rally experience."

The action resumes at 08:15 local time on Friday morning with the first of the day’s six stages. The biggest challenge will be the 31.50km Kedong stage, which makes up the finale of the morning and afternoon loops.

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Mon 04 Mar 2024

Entry List: Safari Rally Kenya

The entry list for Safari Rally Kenya, round three of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship, was revealed today (Monday).

The Naivasha-based rally is one of the most iconic fixtures on the global motorsport calendar and takes place from 28 - 31 March this year – a switch from recent seasons when the gruelling gravel event was held during June.

Esapekka Lappi will be aiming to continue his winning form after he claimed a popular victory in Sweden last month. The Finn, who drives part-time for Hyundai Motorsport, will pilot an i20 N Rally1 car for the Korean marque alongside championship leader Thierry Neuville plus Ott Tänak.

Toyota Gazoo Racing won last year’s Safari through eight-time WRC titlist Sébastien Ogier and, although the Frenchman won’t contest this edition, reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä fields a GR Yaris Rally1. He joins Welshman Elfyn Evans as well as Takamoto Katsuta, twice a podium finisher in Kenya.

M-Sport Ford fields three Puma Rally1s. Adrien Fourmaux starts fresh from his maiden podium in Sweden, while Grégoire Munster and gentleman driver Jourdan Serderidis complete the British team’s line-up.

The battle in WRC2 will be as exciting as ever with the likes of Oliver Solberg, Gus Greensmith, Nicolas Ciamin and Kajetan Kajetanowicz all vying for victory. Local drivers including Carl Tundo and Karan Patel should not be ruled out, and nor should FIA Junior WRC regular Diego Domínguez, who will make his WRC2 debut in a Citroën C3.

The full entry list can be viewed here .

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72. Safari Rally Kenya 2024

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Flawless Rovanpera seals WRC Safari Rally Kenya victory

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By RACER Staff March 31, 2024 9:17 AM

By RACER Staff | March 31, 2024 9:17 AM ET

Kalle Rovanpera (above) put on a flawless performance to become a two-time WRC Safari Rally Kenya winner, the Toyota Gazoo Racing ace ending the grueling African event on Sunday afternoon with a 1m37.8s victory margin after leading since Friday morning’s opening stages.

In what was by far the most challenging FIA World Rally Championship round so far this season, it was the two-time and reigning champ’s meticulous balance of speed and maturity that ultimately secured his 12th career WRC victory.

The 23-year-old Finn, co-driven by Jonne Halttunen, built a lead of almost one minute after winning all of Friday’s rock-strewn stages around Lake Naivasha in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, then kept things clean to end Saturday’s second leg two minutes clear as the chasing pack ran into mechanical troubles and tire damage.

That buffer allowed Rovanpera, who has chosen to run only a part-time 2024 WRC campaign, to drive for a finish in Sunday’s final leg, which consisted of ix stages and culminated amid the stunning scenery and roaming wildlife of the 6.54-mile Hell’s Gate test.

safari rally racing in kenya

Kalle Rovanpera and Jonne Halttunen added a second Safari Rally win to the one the Toyota duo earned in 2022. Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool

“It’s always special to win here,” said Rovanpera. “Also, it’s a legendary event for Toyota. We’ve always been so good here and that’s continuing.  

“A big thanks to the team — everybody made a big effort to make the car work so well. I think me and Jonne did a good job; I don’t think you can have a better Safari Rally than we did. No issues, clever driving, and I think it was a good effort.”

Takamoto Katsuta completed a Toyota 1-2 as the Japanese marque extended its manufacturers’ championship lead to four points over Hyundai Motorsport.

safari rally racing in kenya

Takamoto Katsuta earned his third career Safari Rally podium to complete a Toyota 1-2 in Kenya. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

Elfyn Evans ended Friday in contention for a podium, and a possible Toyota sweep, but a fraught Saturday, which saw the Welshman stop twice to carry out stage-side wheel changes, meant he finished over four minutes back from his teammate Rovanpera in fourth overall. He remains second in the WRC drivers’ championship behind leader Thierry Neuville, who trailed him by almost six minutes in fifth.

M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 driver Adrien Fourmaux headed home Evans to complete the podium after a clean and measured drive, the Frenchman grabbing his second consecutive third-place finish, albeit some 47.3s behind Katsuta’s Yaris.

safari rally racing in kenya

M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux put in a clean and measured drive to secure his second consecutive WRC finish. Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool

Neuville now heads Evans by six points in the WRC standings, but endured a troublesome week aboard his Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Fuel pressure problems on Saturday cost the Belgian several minutes and suspension damage on Sunday, inflicted by a rock on the racing line, added insult to injury.  

His teammates, Esapekka Lappi and Ott Tanak, fared worse. Lappi’s problems included two broken gearboxes over the course of the week, while Tanak could only climb back to eighth overall after his car sustained broken suspension on Friday

In WRC2, Gus Greensmith got his campaign off to the perfect start after winning the WRC’s premier support category by a 1m23.1s margin in his Toksport Skoda Fabia RS.

The odds were stacked against the British driver early in the rally. He battled flu-like symptoms through Friday’s opening leg on rough gravel roads around Lake Naivasha, but charged to a commanding lead of more than three minutes after his main rival Oliver Solberg lost considerable time with punctures.

Solberg fought back to finish second in his Skoda, finishing fastest in class in 11 of the rally’s 19 stages, but the deficit was ultimately too large to overcome. Greensmith was able to cruise through the closing miles, earning a mighty sixth-place overall result in the process.

“It’s been a long week but I’m really, really happy,” said Greensmith. “Thank you to the [Toksport] team this weekend, they’ve been perfect.”

safari rally racing in kenya

Gus Greensmith got his 2024 WRC2 campaign off to the best possible start with a Safari Rally class win. Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool 

After the heat, clogging dust and rocks of the Kenyan stages, the WRC returns to asphalt for next month’s Zagreb-based Croatia Rally, April 18-21.    

WRC Safari Rally Kenya, final positions after Leg Three, SS19 1 Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) 3h36m04.0s 2 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) +1m37.8s 3 Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Ford Puma Rally1) +2m25.1s 4 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) +4m20.2s 5 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +10m17.5s 6 Gus Greensmith/Jonas Anedrsson (Skoda Fabia RS – WRC2 winner) +18m05.4s 7 Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Skoda Fabia RS – WRC2) +19m28.5s 8 Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +21m02.0s 9 Jordan Serderidis/Frederic Miclotte (Ford Puma Rally1) +26m13.3s 10 Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak (Skoda Fabia RS – WRC2) +26m34.4s

WRC Drivers’ Championship after 3 rounds 1 Neuville 67 points   2 Evans 61 3 Fourmaux 46 4 Tanak 33 5 Rovanpera 31

WRC Manufacturers’ Championship after 3 rounds 1 Toyota Gazoo Racing 131 points   2 Hyundai Motorsport 127 3 M-Sport Ford 72   

Check out WRC.com , the official home of the FIA World Rally Championship. And for the ultimate WRC experience, sign up for a Rally.TV subscription to watch all stages of every rally live and on demand, whenever and wherever.

Kalle Rovanpera , Safari Rally , WRC , Rallying

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Safari Rally Kenya 2024: Entry List + Itinerary

A total of 29 crews will be taking on 229 competitive miles of action in Kenya

Photography by Hyundai, M-Sport, Škoda & Red Bull / Jaanus Ree

Words by James Bowen

In partnership with ewrc-results.com

After a six-week break, the World Rally Championship finally returns for round three of its global adventure, as the series embarks on its first gravel rally of the year on Safari Rally Kenya.

What was already one of the toughest events on the calendar has been made even more challenging by the return of the Safari to its traditional spring calendar slot. That puts it right into Kenya’s heaviest rainy season, and could be the catalyst for plenty of drama on the stages this weekend.

Safari Rally Kenya promises an Easter weekend of epic entertainment, and here’s everything you need to know.

Rally Safari Kenya Entry List

Total 29 crews 9 Rally1 crews 14 Rally2 crews (13 WRC2) 1 Rally3 crew (1 WRC3) 5 Group N crews

Jourdan Serderidis increases M-Sport's lineup to three cars in Kenya

The top class field remains at nine cars for the second consecutive rally, but there’s one new face in the field compared to last time out in Sweden.

That face belongs to Greek privateer Jourdan Serderidis, who has reversed his decision to retire from the WRC’s top level after last year’s Acropolis Rally Greece and returns to the seat of an M-Sport Ford Puma this weekend.

He’ll join M-Sport regulars Adrien Fourmaux, fresh from his first WRC podium in Sweden, and Grégoire Munster in the Cumbrian squad’s three-car line-up.

After winning the opening two WRC events of 2024, Hyundai enters an identical line-up to the last event in Sweden, with points-leader Thierry Neuville and 2019 world champion Ott Tänak again joined by Esapekka Lappi, who’ll be on the hunt for back-to-back WRC victories.

Defending manufacturers’ champions Toyota will also field an unchanged squad, with reigning WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä making his second start of the year, alongside full-season duo Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta.

Kajetan Kajetanowicz has won the last two editions of Safari Rally Kenya in WRC2 and starts his 2024 season here

Five brands are represented across the 14 Rally2 crews in Kenya, in what should be a hotly contested battle for supremacy.

Rally Sweden WRC2 winner and joint-series points leader Oliver Solberg returns to Kenya in his Toksport Škoda Fabia RS, but this time will score WRC2 points, as will his team-mate Gus Greensmith, who will make his first start of the season on the Safari.

Defending Keyna class-winner Kajetan Kajetanowicz also makes his first start of the year in the latest generation Fabia, as does compatriot Daniel Chwist.

Frenchman and Hyundai customer Nicolas Ciamin heads the South Korean brand’s charge in Kenya, while Charles Munster, brother of Rally1 driver Grégoire, makes his WRC2 debut behind the wheel of another i20 N Rally2.

Junior WRC regular Diego Domínguez Jr. joins the WRC2 field in the sole Citroën C3 entered, while a host of African rallying stars will test themselves against the WRC2 regulars, including Kenya’s Carl Tundo in his Ford Fiesta R5, and Tanzania’s Yasin Nasser, who makes his WRC debut behind the wheel of a Fiesta Rally2.

Hamza Anwar was a regular competitor in the Junior WRC last year

Last year’s Junior African Rally champion Hamza Anwar is the sole WRC3 entrant, and the Kenyan will start his home WRC event for the fourth consecutive year driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3.

Safari Rally Kenya Itinerary

This year’s Safari Rally Kenya will cover 229 competitive miles (368 km), the longest edition since it returned to the WRC calendar in 2021.

The first of the rally’s 19 stages takes place on Thursday afternoon, with the Kasarani superspecial pitting drivers against each other across the jumps and bumps of this epic opening test just outside Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi.

Friday is the event’s first full day and will take the crews away from the service park to the rough roads around Lake Naivasha. The morning loop consists of three stages totaling 40 miles (64 km), repeated in the afternoon following a lunchtime service.

Saturday is the rally’s longest day, featuring six stages including the mammoth 22-mile (36 km) Sleeping Warrior test. After 100 miles (161 km) of grueling Saturday action, the first points of the weekend will be provisionally awarded.

Super Sunday comprises 46 miles (74 km) of action across six stages on the roads around Lake Elmenteita, with only a short 15-minute service to work on the cars after the third test of the day, Hell’s Gate. The rally concludes with the second running of the 7-mile (11 km) Hell’s Gate stage, which serves as the powerstage.

Michèle Mouton rewatches and reacts to her Acropolis win

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WRC Safari Rally Kenya

Held on the untamed terrains of africa’s breathtaking landscapes where the weather can change in a matter of minutes. mud, rocks, fesh-fesh sand and challenging water crossings make safari rally kenya the ultimate test of endurance. | watch rally, all day, every day with rally.tv the new streaming and video channel of the fia world rally championship, fia european rally championship and fia world rallycross championship.

Duration:0hours

Date:Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT

WRC Safari Rally Kenya

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WRC Safari Rally Kenya

Race information.

  • Course: Naivasha, Kenya, Africa
  • Stages: TBD
  • Distance: TBD
  • Date: March 28, 2024
  • 2023 Winner: Sébastier Ogier
  • Date: Sunday, March 31st, 2024
  • 2024 WINNER: Kalle Rovanpera

Safari Rally Kenya Odds

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya, one of the founding events of the World Rally Championship, holds a special place in the hearts of rally racing enthusiasts. As the seventh round of the 2024 WRC calendar, it serves as a pivotal moment in the WRC Championship standings.

The Safari Rally is a true test of skill and endurance for rally teams, as they navigate the challenging rocky gravel roads and battle against the unpredictable weather of Africa’s only WRC event. These unique characteristics make the Safari Rally Kenya Odds all the more intriguing, as fans and pundits analyze the potential outcomes of this thrilling competition.

Despite being part of the inaugural WRC season in 1973, the Safari Rally made its debut decades earlier, showcasing its historical significance in the world of rally racing. Today, it remains a highly-anticipated event on the calendar, attracting top rally teams from around the globe to showcase their expertise and compete for success in this legendary race.

As the fourth of eight gravel events on the calendar, the Safari Rally presents a distinct set of challenges for drivers and their teams. The demanding terrain, coupled with the ever-changing weather conditions, demands precision, adaptability, and strategic decision-making from the participants.

The Safari Rally Kenya Odds offer enthusiasts a glimpse into the competitive landscape, enabling them to assess the potential contenders and predict the outcome of this prestigious event. It’s a thrilling time for rally racing enthusiasts as they eagerly await the adrenaline-fueled action and witness the rally teams pushing their limits on the Kenyan stages.

With its rich history, challenging terrain, and its place in the WRC Championship , the Safari Rally Kenya captivates fans worldwide. The rally serves as a true celebration of rally racing excellence, showcasing the skills, determination, and spirit of the drivers and their teams. It’s an event that captures the essence of the sport and continues to leave a lasting impression on both participants and spectators alike.

World Rally Championship at Kenya

The Kenya Rally, also known as the Safari Rally, is a prestigious dirt rally event held in Kenya. It has a rich history dating back to 1953 and has been a part of various rallying championships over the years, including the WRC standings . The rally is renowned for its challenging and diverse terrains, including rough tracks, muddy paths, and fast sections, making it a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork for rally racers and their teams.

Rallying through the Kenyan wilderness is a thrilling adventure that demands precision and courage from rally drivers. The unpredictable nature of the dirt rally course adds an extra level of excitement and intensity to the competition. From negotiating treacherous turns to conquering rough off-road sections, racers must showcase their expertise in handling powerful vehicles and making split-second decisions to maintain their speed and momentum.

The Kenya Rally not only showcases the driving skills of racers but also highlights the resilience and determination of their support teams. Behind the scenes, mechanics, engineers, and navigators work tirelessly to ensure that the rally cars are in peak condition and that the drivers receive accurate guidance throughout the course. The teamwork and coordination between the drivers and their crew are essential for success in this challenging event.

Beyond the thrill of the race, the Kenya Rally offers a unique opportunity to explore Kenya’s natural wonders. Spectators can witness the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture that make Kenya a truly remarkable destination. From the roar of engines echoing through the plains to the dust kicked up by rally cars as they speed through the rugged terrain, the rally creates an atmosphere of excitement and energy that captivates everyone involved.

The Kenya Rally has earned its place as a prominent event on the rallying calendar, attracting both local and international participants and fans. Its combination of thrilling dirt rally action, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences make it a standout event that showcases the best of what Kenya has to offer. Whether you are a dedicated rally enthusiast or an adventurous traveler seeking a unique experience, the Kenya Rally promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of rallying excellence. Don’t miss out on the Safari Rally Kenya Odds as you witness the race of a lifetime!

WRC Schedule

WRC Safari Rally Kenya:

  • SS1 – TBD
  • SS 2 – TBD
  • SS 8 – TBD
  • SS 14 – TBD

WRC Standings Prior to Kenya - 2024 Season

🏁 safari rally kenya history & highlights.

Safari Rally Kenya started in May 1953 as the “East African Coronation Safari” in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Alan Dix and co-driver Johnny Larsen won that first rally in a Volkswagen Beetle. DP Marwaha and Vic Preston Sr. won in 1954 and 1955 in a Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Zephyr, respectively. The 1958 event included three classes: Impala, Lion, and Leopard classes. That marked the only time multiple classes were included in the event.

The event kept the East African Coronation Safari Rally title until 1960 when it was renamed the East African Safari Rally. By this time, the rally had garnered a reputation as one of the toughest rallies in the world but with that came popularity among factory teams. In 1963 and 1968, the seven drivers and co-drivers who managed to finish those races were nicknamed the “Unsinkable Seven” for making it through notoriously difficult events covering more than 3,000 miles.

A non-Kenyan driver won the event for the first time in 1966 when Tanzanian driver Bert Shankland and co-driver Chris Rothwell won in a Peugeot 404. They’d win the event again in 1967. A non-African driver won the event for the first time in 1972 when Finnish driver Hannu Mikkola and co-driver Gunnar Palm won in a Ford Escort RS1600. The year after, it was included in the World Rally Championship as the fourth round of the inaugural season. In 1975, the event title was shortened to the Safari Rally.

Though teams and drivers from multiple continents came to Kenya for the Safari Rally, homegrown drivers dominated the first decade of WRC competition. Kenyan Shekhar Mehta and co-driver Lofty Drews won the first WRC Safari Rally in 1973. Fellow Kenyan Joginder Singh and co-driver David Doig won the event in 1974. Singh would win again in 1976 and Mehta won every race from 1979-1982. Looking ahead to the Safari Rally at Kenya, fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling competition and eagerly await the release of the Safari Rally Kenya odds.

The few exceptions to this run of dominance were Swedes Ove Andersson and Björn Waldegård winning in 1975 and 1977, respectively, and Frenchman Jean-Pierre Nicolas winning in 1978.

After winning seven of the first 10 WRC Safari Rally events, Kenyan drivers would notch just one more WRC victory: Ian Duncan in 1994. Waldegård became one of the most successful drivers in the event, winning in 1984, 1986, and 1990.

Until the 1990s, the event was on open roads. Due to the terrain and long stages, winners were often those who balanced speed with caution. Teams would use helicopters to fly ahead of their cars to warn animals or vehicles along the route of their drivers coming. Technology like tire mousse, which helps tires function after a puncture, later allowed drivers to drive thousands of miles flat out.

After a year away in 1995, the rally returned in 1996 with an official special stage format. Despite being limited to 15-20 stages, the total distance remained an outlier on the WRC schedule , routinely going well over 650 miles (1,046 kilometers).

British drivers dominated in this format, with champions Colin McRae and Richard Burns winning all but two Safari Rally events from 1996 to 2002. WRC organizers dropped the event starting in 2003 due to a lack of finance and organization.

In September 2019, WRC organizers announced the Safari Rally would return in 2020. That event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned to the calendar in 2021. In its return, organizers reduced the distance to fall more in line with other events.

wrc-safari-rally

Circuit Information

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya is an exhilarating 19-stage rally held over four days in the scenic lakeside city of Naivasha.

This challenging event pushes both drivers and cars to their limits, with tricky gravel tracks and unpredictable weather conditions.

Each stage demands precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the ever-changing course.

Safari Rally Kenya FAQs

When was the first safari rally kenya, why was the safari rally kenya so difficult early on, who’s won the most safari rally kenya events, latest wrc betting news & analysis.

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The Most Exciting Special Stages Of Safari Rally Kenya 2024

  • Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

The FIA World Rally Championship heads to one of its iconic venues – to the African region. Why iconic? Just imagine the first-ever Safari Rally Kenya debuted in 1953 and immediately became one of the most challenging events. Alongside the Acropolis, also held on gravel roads, the Safari Rally is famous for its unpredictable. As many factors interfered with the game, no one knows whether they succeeded in finishing or not. Which factors, you may say? These are different, and it depends on the specific leg. Therefore, I gathered the most spectacular, or better to say, most exciting special stages of Safari Rally Kenya 2024, where everything is possible to happen.

Sleeping Warrior

  • Hell's Gate

Based in Naivasha, Safari Rally Kenya 2024 consists of 367.76 km of action, covering an overall 1267.57 km, and divided into 19 special stages. 

The WRC African’s adventure is holding on challenging terrain, including dust, sand, and gravel. So, when the weather in Kenya is sunny, rallying fast on these roads is not a good idea, as the dust reduces the visibility soon. 

However, the opposite of sunshine is even worse. The bad news is the weather forecast for African WRC round is about a downpour until Sunday. Simply put, it doubles the difficulties for the rally drivers from stage to stage.

Let’s explore the most interesting of them!

The Kasarani stage opens the Safari Rally Kenya 2024 on Thursday. Lasting for less than 5 kilometers long, it is the action-packed part. 

Kasarani is the only super special stage or the SSS, which means two drivers race each other on two parallel tracks. Therefore, you will see almost two different drivers together.

Usually, SSS takes place in specific stadiums, but it’s not Kasarani’s case. Looking like a polygon, it is an open field. Furthermore, the stage will be more dirty during Thursday’s rainy weather, as all the dust of the scene will transfer into the sticky mud. 

The thrills are guaranteed, especially to the crowds of spectators, who complete the excitement of Kasarani with warm greetings. 

Passing the Geothermal special stage is scheduled for Friday. The drivers run the scene twice: through SS3 and SS6. However, this leg is labeled Geothermal for a reason, and due to its placement, the stage is filled with ruts. 

So, with fumaroles, the route will be challenging, having too many dangers for the drivers. Full of rocks, it is a very bumpy terrain, which means each rally racer has to be accurate at each millimeter. That is what DirtFish mentioned on the previous Rally Safari. Otherwise, the punctures are guaranteed because small rocks are very sharp here. 

Furthermore, this stage includes the drivers running through the narrow gravel roads in the woodland, which has many common patterns with Rally Finland. So what can be more exciting than delving into the forest’ groves, especially when it is about wild African nature? 

Tricky, tough Geothermal is a rough Safari Rally Kenya 2024 stage that you can’t miss out on. The errors most likely will be decisive in the rush of victory in Africa. 

The Kedong stage follows the Geothermal in the loop and is also scheduled for Friday.

However, it is a very typical stage of the WRC African’s adventure, or better to say, the part of its route, and perhaps I wouldn’t include it on my list if not the last Safari Rally. 

As the round has moved earlier from its dates, the challenge meets specific weather conditions. The weather in March here is rainy, resulting in running this stage becoming an endless struggle.

Thus, in 2023, many drivers punctured tires at the Kedong because of a lot of natural debris and rocks under the layout of mud. At first sight, drivers rallying fast on straight forward but then bum! They immediately have the puncture. 

So, if previously, the gravel scattered with the rocks, the rain changes the circumstances.

Another thrill of this stage is the animals, whose minds are unpredictable for WRC participants, who are forced to slow down, as no one knows when zebras decide to cross the road. 

One of the favorites among local rally fans is the Soysambu stage. It is very spectacular for these reasons. 

It is a scene where you can see many fauna inhabitants such as giraffes, zebras, monkeys, etc. 

However, the main feature of the stage is the surface here changes with rainfall. The dusty open field becomes one huge but not deep marsh. With demanding rallying skills, each mistake here costs a rally driver the flat out.

I like Soysambu because local fans bring an original and warm atmosphere. The stage covers 30 km, launching the Saturday’s leg, and the second pass starts after the service afternoon. 

You wonder, but 30km is not the record distance because the Sleeping Warrior is no less than the iconic stage of Safari Rally Kenya. The most dangerous and exhausting scene of the event covers over 31 km!

After passing the leg, drivers gladly claim: ‘I survived!’ Sleeping Warrior is famous for its mix of terrains, changing from gravel and dust to rocks, while many sections are slippery. 

The drivers pass the Sleeping Warrior twice on Saturday. So, if the first run they’re partly successful; however, no one can do it without problems, then the second run is a matter of fortune. 

What’s the problem with driving for 31 km, you may say? Well, the case is it is at the African terrain. The current WRC cars are sensitive to changing conditions soon, especially without service support to improve their settings.

So, as a result, participants come with all types of technical problems, damaging suspension, car parts, and punctures. 

Therefore, Sleeping Warrior is always a turning point and decisive stage of Rally Safari, and the 2024 edition is no exception. So, the battle for victory takes its peak on Saturday.

The last time, Toyota driver Elfyn Evans described the scene perfectly. He couldn’t control the action; not everything was in his hands, as he said: ‘The car drove me.’ 

Oserian is a ‘roller coaster’ part of the Safari Rally. Full of ups and downs, the scene includes a mix of open areas and roads through the forest.

Passing Oserian requires drivers to turn the steering wheel more actively, causing high demands for additional physical and endurance.

What’s more, the roads on the stage are bumpy, slippery, and very narrow, causing each wrong move to cost drivers time, even if it is a short distance of more than 18 km. Moreover, additional loads for suspension are guaranteed.

So, the Oserian will be a stunning gravel ride for 18 km that drivers pass twice on Sunday. 

Hell’s Gate

Hell’s Gate is the most spectacular stage of Safari Rally 2024. The second pass through the scene forms the Wolf Power Stage with additional scores to the drivers’ standings – a worthy reason to pass the stage without errors, but it won’t be easy.

Narrow and dusty, these gravel roads are very tricky. The case is that the drivers always have felt the urge to go a few tens faster during all 10 kilometers of the Hell’s Gate stage. However, it is a mental trap of this section. 

First, because it is very narrow, and even a tiny error can make the game over. The Hell’s Gate doesn’t have as many turns as Oserian, but many trees on the route are placed near the road. 

The second one is gravel sand, as the dust climbing out of the car immediately reduces the visibility. Furthermore, the weather forecast promises the sun on Sunday.

So, yes, the stage is as fast as slippery. 

The third thrill of the scene are animals. So, less than at Soysambu, but still meeting with any one of them on the route will be a stroke of bad luck due to the lack of visibility. Therefore, keeping the mind cold to slow down the speed is crucial for the drivers. 

Rally Safari takes a special place in the FIA World Rally Championship , and Africa’s rally adventure 2024 is no exception. A tough challenge sets in top alongside Greece’s round at the top of the most difficult rallies. 

So, among the special stages of Safari Rally Kenya 2024, there are a few that are most exciting for spectators as well as for the drivers. Two for each day of competitions, except Thursday. 

Thus, I highly recommend you pay attention to the following. 

Super special stage Kasarani, which kicks the event on Thursday as SSS1. 

Geothermal (SS3, SS6) and Kedong (SS4, SS7) add the tension to Friday’s leg. 

Soysambu (SS8, SS11) and Sleeping Warrior (SS10, SS13), you cannot miss out on Saturday because those provide the most terrific racing challenge of the event. The iconic Sleeping Warrior most likely decides the winners and losers.  

On Sunday, get ready to see the epic rallying racing at Oserian (SS15, SS16) and Hell’s Gate (SS18, SS19), which forms the final Wolff Power Stage. 

As you see, it is for a reason that Safari Rally is worthy of being the WRC’s crown jewel.

  • The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile  (March 22, 2024)’ WRC – Africa Awaits As Th Competition Goes on Safari In Kenya ‘ https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-africa-awaits-competition-goes-safari-kenya  
  • DirtFish on YouTube  (June 24, 2022) ‘ Safari Rally Kenya 2022 – SS3/6 Geothermal Stage Preview ‘ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo-OjIT-j3Q
  • AccuWeather (2024)  Nairobi City Weather https://www.accuweather.com/en/ke/nairobi/224758/weather-forecast/224758  
  • FIA World Rally Championship  (March 26, 2024) ‘ Live Stream Schedule – Safari Rally Kenya’    https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27549_LIVE-STREAM-SCHEDULE—Safari-Rally-Kenya

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  1. Toyota WRC Conquers Savage Safari Rally in Kenya, Scores Amazing Return

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  2. Safari Rally Kenya 2021

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  3. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing scores 1-2 finish at Safari Rally Kenya

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  4. GALLERY: The best of Safari Rally Kenya

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  5. Team Kenya shines at the 2021 WRC Kenya Safari Rally

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  6. KCB unveils A Helicopter for The WCR Safari Rally

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COMMENTS

  1. WRC Safari Rally Kenya

    WRC Safari Rally Kenya is proud to organise and host yet another successful rally in 2024, as organisers we recognise our responsibilities to the environment and our long-standing partners ... Kalle Rovanperä of Toyota Gazoo Racing was on fire on the second day of the WRC Safari Rally, establishing an impressive 56.9-second lead over his ...

  2. Safari Rally

    The Safari Rally is an automobile rally held in Kenya.It was first held in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.The event was part of the World Rally Championship from 1973 until 2002, before returning in 2021. It is historically regarded as one of the toughest events in the World Rally Championship, and one of the most popular rallies in Africa.

  3. WRC Safari Rally Kenya

    Held on the untamed terrains of Africa's breathtaking landscapes where the weather can change in a matter of minutes. Mud, rocks, fesh-fesh sand and challenging water crossings make Safari Rally Kenya the ultimate test of endurance. | FIA World Rally Championship official website. Keep up-to-date with the latest news, rally results, WRC standings, calendar updates, video highlights and ...

  4. FIA WRC 2024: Safari Rally Kenya

    The gruelling four-day race is the the ultimate test of endurance through untamed terrain for rally drivers. Live. Films. Shows. Clips. Get the App. Safari Rally Kenya. Kenya. 29 - 31 March 2024 ...

  5. Final Day Highlights

    No spoilers... 😉For more WRC videos, visit https://www.wrc.comEnjoy every stage LIVE or on demand, with exclusive access and onboard footage at https://www....

  6. WRC Safari Rally: Everything you need to know

    The notorious Safari Rally Kenya, renowned as one of the toughest events in motorsport, marks the halfway point in the 2023 World Rally Championship this weekend. Tom Howard Jun 20, 2023, 8:57 AM

  7. WRC 2024 Rd.3 Day 4

    roars to fourth successive Safari triumph. 2024.3.31 (Sun) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has won the legendary Safari Rally Kenya for the fourth year in a row, with Kalle Rovanperä leading Takamoto Katsuta in a one-two finish on the demanding African event. Car 69 (Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen)

  8. Preview: Safari Rally Kenya

    This week's Safari Rally Kenya (28 - 31 March) promises to deliver one of the most arduous tests since its triumphant return to the FIA World Rally Championship calendar three years ago. ... In Kenya, all eyes are on Toyota Gazoo Racing. The GR Yaris Rally1 team has won every edition since 2021, and even claimed a sensational top-four sweep ...

  9. WRC

    FIA World Rally Championship leader Thierry Neuville took a slender 0.1-second lead over his Hyundai team-mate Ott Tänak after winning Safari Rally Kenya's opening stage on Thursday. Thousands of passionate fans were vying for every possible vantage point as this 71st edition of the iconic Safari Rally got underway in the suburbs of Kenya ...

  10. Entry List: Safari Rally Kenya

    The entry list for Safari Rally Kenya, round three of this year's FIA World Rally Championship, was revealed today (Monday). The Naivasha-based rally is one of the most iconic fixtures on the global motorsport calendar and takes place from 28 - 31 March this year - a switch from recent seasons when the gruelling gravel event was held during ...

  11. Final results Safari Rally Kenya 2024

    28. 3. - 31. 3. 2024, Naivasha • WRC Safari Rally Kenya • gravel 367.76 km • total distance including road sections - 1259.09 km • Other years

  12. Flawless Rovanpera seals WRC Safari Rally Kenya victory

    Kalle Rovanpera (above) put on a flawless performance to become a two-time WRC Safari Rally Kenya winner, the Toyota Gazoo Racing ace ending the grueling African event on Sunday afternoon with a 1m37.8s victory margin after leading since Friday morning's opening stages.. In what was by far the most challenging FIA World Rally Championship round so far this season, it was the two-time and ...

  13. Safari Rally Kenya 2024: Entry List + Itinerary

    The rally concludes with the second running of the 7-mile (11 km) Hell's Gate stage, which serves as the powerstage. Full itinerary on eWRC. Words: James Bowen. Tags: Safari Rally Kenya, Safari Rally Kenya 2024. Publish Date March 25, 2024. WRC - A total of 29 crews will be taking on 229 competitive miles of action in Kenya.

  14. How to watch WRC's Safari Rally: schedule, line-up and more

    The WRC heads to Kenya for its breathtaking Safari Rally to continue an epic start to the 2024 season. Last time out, Esapekka Lappi ended a six-and-a-half-year victory drought by winning the ...

  15. WRC Safari Rally Kenya

    WRC Safari Rally Kenya Held on the untamed terrains of Africa's breathtaking landscapes where the weather can change in a matter of minutes. Mud, rocks, fesh-fesh sand and challenging water crossings make Safari Rally Kenya the ultimate test of endurance. | Watch rally, all day, every day with Rally.TV the new streaming and video channel of ...

  16. Safari Rally 2024: World champion Rovanpera wins WRC Safari Rally

    Finn superstar Kalle Rovanpera is the winner of the 2024 FIA WRC Safari Rally Kenya that ended on Sunday in Naivasha. The Toyota Gazoo Racing speedster clocked 3:36:04.0 to bag his second title in ...

  17. Day 1 Highlights

    Let the games begin... 🇰🇪For more WRC videos, visit https://www.wrc.comEnjoy every stage LIVE or on demand, with exclusive access and onboard footage at ht...

  18. Safari Rally Kenya: Rally Racing Through the Wild

    The Kenya Rally, also known as the Safari Rally, is a prestigious dirt rally event held in Kenya. It has a rich history dating back to 1953 and has been a part of various rallying championships over the years, including the WRC standings.The rally is renowned for its challenging and diverse terrains, including rough tracks, muddy paths, and fast sections, making it a true test of skill ...

  19. 2024 Safari Rally

    The 2024 Safari Rally (also known as the 2024 Safari Rally Kenya) was a motor racing event for rally cars held over four days from 28 to 31 March 2024. It marked the seventy-second running of the Safari Rally, and will be the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2 and World Rally Championship-3.The event was based in Naivasha in the Nakuru County, and was ...

  20. 2022 Safari Rally

    The 2022 Safari Rally (also known as the Safari Rally Kenya 2022) was a motor racing event for rally cars held over four days between 23 and 26 June 2022. It would mark the seventieth running of the Safari Rally.The event was the sixth round of the 2022 World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2 and World Rally Championship-3.The 2022 event was based in Nairobi and was contested over ...

  21. The East African Safari Classic: 'It's just about you, the ...

    Rally racing is experiencing a resurgence in Kenya. The WRC returned after a 19-year absence with the 2021 Safari Rally Kenya, which has since been extended through to 2026. While a stronger ...

  22. The Most Exciting Special Stages Of Safari Rally Kenya 2024

    Hell's Gate. Hell's Gate is the most spectacular stage of Safari Rally 2024. The second pass through the scene forms the Wolf Power Stage with additional scores to the drivers' standings - a worthy reason to pass the stage without errors, but it won't be easy. Narrow and dusty, these gravel roads are very tricky.

  23. 2023 Safari Rally

    The 2023 Safari Rally (also known as the Safari Rally Kenya 2023) was a motor racing event for rally cars that was held from 22 June to 25 June 2023. It marked the seventy-first running of the Safari Rally, and was the seventh round of the 2023 World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2 and World Rally Championship-3.The event was based in Naivasha in the Nakuru County, and was ...

  24. #25

    Greetings, Hyundai I20 N Rally2 Zebra livery #25 | Charles Munster | Loic Dumont | Safari Rally Kenya 2024 Install: Copy Charles_Zebra_P.pak to EA SPORTS WRC\\WRC\\Content\\Paks Uninstall - just delete the pak file. Enjoy the ride.

  25. Safari Rally Kenya

    373 likes, 2 comments - officialsafarirally on September 23, 2022: "@karan.patel.racing flagged off at the open ceremony of the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally. Doesn't ...

  26. 2024 World Rally Championship

    Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT (GR Yaris Rally1 pictured) is the current manufacturers' championship leader. ... Safari Rally Kenya: Nairobi, Nakuru County, Kenya Gravel 19 355.92 km 4 18 April 21 April Croatia Rally: Zagreb, Croatia Tarmac 20 283.28 km 5 9 May