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Driver airlifted to Nairobi after crashing on Day 1 of WRC Safari Rally

Kenyan driver crashes out of Safari Rally

Driver Tejveer Rai has been airlifted to Nairobi for treatment after he crashed his car, number 26, during day one of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.

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Popularly known as Tej, the driver's car took a nose dive just after a high speed jump at the Kedong SS3 stage of Friday's route.

His navigator, Zimbabwean Gareth Dawe suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Organizers confirmed that both Tej and his navigator were in good health and had only been airlifted to Nairobi for a check up.

Tej, a driver in the rally's RC2 class, started at position 15 of the day's line-up at 7:52 am.

The Kedong bend proved challenging for a number of drivers with Sohanjeet Puee and his navigator Adnan Din (Car 47) having been the first to crash at the tricky bend.

Car number 6 driver, the Spaniard Dani Sordo also had a fender-bender at Kedong which was quickly fixed and he was able to get back on the road.

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Rally driver rai bags june’s best sports personality of the month.

• July 26, 2021

Rally Driver Onkar Rai has been named as the LG Sports Personality of the Month for June after his stellar drive at the WRC Safari Rally which made a return to Kenya after two decades.

Rai who was navigated by Briton Drew Sturrock won the WRC3 class at the Rally and also scored WRC points to tank seventh overall.

For winning the award organized by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in conjunction with Korean Electronics Company LG, Rai was rewarded with a 59-inch NanoCell TV worth Sh120,000.

He in turn donated it to the Nakuru Level Five Hospital.

“I however want to donate my television award to Nakuru Level Five hospital to create awareness for people with spinal injuries,” Onkar said, in reference to support for his compatriot Tajveer Rai who picked up a serious spinal injury after an accident at the Safari Rally.

“It’s such an honour and privilege to be awarded and this really goes to show the hard-work and sacrifices I have put in the sport over the past two years. This could not have come into play were it not for the support system around me and more so my brother Tejveer (Rai) and my dad Jaswant who effortlessly pushed me,” further said Rai.

Onkar becomes the second rally driver to lay his hands on the coveted Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)-organised Award after three-time African Rally champion Manvir Baryan won it in June 2018.

The former Kenya National Division 2 champion and three-time back-to-back Nakuru Rally winner beat five other nominees to clinch the coveted award.

Onkar Rai receives his award from LG Communications Manager Maureen Kemunto

Also awarded for the June award were beach volleyballer Brackcedes Agalla, 100m sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, middle distance runner Faith Kipyegon, former half marathon world record holder Geoffrey Kamworor and basketballer Medina Okot.

Agala spearheaded Kenya to a maiden women’s Beach Volleyball Olympic qualification in Morocco, while Omanyala ran a Kenyan national record of 10.02 in the men’s 100m to earn his ticket for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in emphatic fashion.

Kipyegon won the women’s 1,500m at the Florence Diamond League meeting in a national record of 3:53.91.

Kamworor, was nominated for the coveted award after booking the Tokyo 2020 spot in 10,000m after winning the race at the Kenyan Trials while School girl Medina Okot was voted Most Valuable Player upon leading Kenya Ports Authority women basketball team to a deserving 103 -56 victory over Cezoball select women team in the final of the Malawi International basketball tournament.

Rai joins the growing list of 2021 winners who include tennis superstar Angela Okutoyi (January), basketballer Tylor Okari Ongwae of Kenya Moran’s  (February), Tokyo Olympics boxer Elly Ajowi (March), World marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich (April) and Milan Marathon winner Titus Ekiru (May).

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WRC Safari Rally: All You Need to Know About the Eagerly-Awaited Championship

• Fifty-eight drivers, among them 24 foreigners, have been confirmed for the 2021 Safari Rally
• The star-studded event will include reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier (France), who has claimed seven WRC titles in the last eight seasons
• Kenyan drivers Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, Baldev Chager Onkar Rai, and Tejveer Rai are expected to give the top foreign drivers a run for their money
• Collin McRae, the overall WRC Safari Rally winner when the event was last held in 2002, died in a helicopter crash in 2007

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The Safari Rally will make its much-anticipated return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar next week.

Motorsport fans globally will have their eyes fixated on Naivasha as one of the most prestigious rallying events takes place for the first time since 2002.

Below, we outline all that you need to know about the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya 2021.

France's Sebastien Ogier Emerges Winner of WRC Safari Rally

Dubbed the ‘Event of the Year’, the 2021 Safari Rally will take place from June 24-27, mainly around the scenic town of Naivasha.

It will be the first time since 2002 that the Safari Rally will be part of the WRC, an auto racing competition recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as the highest class of international rallying.

The event was excluded from the WRC calendar due to a lack of finance and organisation in 2003.

It was readmitted into the calendar in 2019, starting with the 2020 rally (July 16- 19) that was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Safari Rally was reinstated to the WRC calendar as a result of an intensive campaign spearheaded by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

At least 20 helicopters are expected to be involved in making the event successful according to an approval by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The 2021 event will mark the sixty-eighth running of the Safari Rally and will be the sixth round of this year’s World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2, and World Rally Championship-3.

Naivasha Raha: Uhuru Arrives in Vasha for WRC Safari Rally, Shares Light Moments with Kenyans

It will be contested over eighteen special states totalling 320.19 km (198.96 mi) in the competitive distance.

Collin McRae and Nicky Grist were the overall WRC Safari Rally winners when the event was last held in 2002, but they will not be defending defend their titles. McRae was killed in a helicopter crash in 2007.

Ford World Rally Team, the team Mcrae and Grist drove for in 2002, are the defending manufacturers’ winners but will not defend the title either as they withdrew from the championship at the end of 2012.

Fifty eight drivers, among them 24 foreigners, have been confirmed for the 2021 Safari Rally.

Most notable among them will be Sébastien Ogier (France) the reigning world champion who has claimed seven WRC titles in the last eight seasons.

Alongside co-driver Julien Ingrassia, Ogier will enter the round with an eleven-point lead over Elfyn Evans and Scott martin.

The star-studded rally will witness the talents of 2019 WRC champion Ott Tanak, Dani Sordo, Thierry Neuville, and Pierre-Louis Loubet, who will lead the charge for the Hyundai team in the exciting Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC cars.

Safari Rally Legends: Fastest and Richest Kenyan Rally Drivers

Local interest will be headlined by five-time Safari Rally winner and ARC Equator Rally champion, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo in a VW Polo R5 car. Onkar Rai and Tejveer Rai will be the other top Kenyan drivers in the German carmaker are stable.

Other top Kenyan drivers will include National champion Baldev Chager, Ravi Soni, Karan Patel, and Aakif Virani while youngsters McRae Kimathi, Hamza Anwar, and Jeremy Wahome - all driving brand new Ford Fiesta R3 machines, will be among the domestic drivers to look out for.

In the battle for the WRC manufacturers’ title, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT holds a massive forty-nine-point lead over defending manufacturers’ champions Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT, with M-Sport Ford WRT in third place.

The event has been organised according to the Ministry of Health Guidelines on Management of COVID-19 and as such the entire WRC organizing team has been tested and vaccinated against COVID-19.

WRC Safari Rally 2021: Super Powerful Sports Cars to Watch and Their Manufacturers

The Africa Rally Championship (ARC) in April, which featured some of the same stages that will be used next week, was the precursor to the Safari Rally and it was a zero-COVID-19 event.

Over 1,200 safety marshals will be deployed to ensure safety during the rally. Safety is the single most labor-intensive component of the Safari.

To ensure stages are in optimum condition when teams arrive, work has been carried out to define the rally route. The tracks have been graded, and earth bunds have been built on the inside of corners.

The older version of the Safari Rally was notorious for being by far the most difficult rally in the WRC championship to win: Some drivers said winning this particular rally was the equivalent of winning three other rallies.

The event adopted the special stage format in 1996. From that edition until 2002, it featured over 1000 km of timed stages, with stages well over 60 kilometres long, unlike most rallies which had under 500 kilometres of total timed distance.

Sports CS Amina Mohammed rides in rally car ahead of anticipated championships in Naiasha

Local driver Shekhar Mehta is the most successful in the event with five outright victories, in 1973, and 1979 to 1982.

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The 2022 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally was launched yesterday, 23 rd June, 2022, by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta at the KICC in Nairobi. This year’s racing list contains 12 top-tier Rally1 cars as well as 10 cars in the WRC2 premier support category. WRC3 cars also have representation, with 5 Rally3 specification cars featured. A total of 34 drivers have been confirmed to participate in the 3 day competition ending 26 th June.

Table of Contents

This year’s race has attracted top talent in Motorsport including last year’s Safari Rally winner Sebastien Ogier, who also took an early lead in yesterday’s special race at Kasarani, Nairobi.

7 Kenyan drivers will represent the country in the WRC2 and WRC3 categories of the competition. Of the seven, four drivers are part of the FIA Rally Star Programme, a global initiative aimed to train talented young drivers of between 17-27 years.

All the four young drivers sponsored by Safaricom and Kenya Airways will feature in MSport Ford Fiesta machines during the ongoing WRC Safari Rally event.

Listed below are the 7 drivers representing Kenya in the 2022 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha.

Aakif Virani

Coming from a Motorsport family background, Aakif began sharpening his racing skills when he was a young boy, with hopes of building on the family’s heritage. Last year, Aakif clocked an impressive finish time to finish 5 th in the WRC3 category. Prior to that, he had finished first in the B13 category and third in Division 1 in 2018.

This year, he hopes to have a podium finish in Naivasha, urging Kenyans to show up in  large numbers to support the local drivers.

Karan Patel

After winning the home round of the African Rally Championship earlier this year, 30 year-old Karan Patel bis hoping to achieve similar success in the 2022 WRC2 category. Patel and co-driver Tauseef Khan will compete in a Ford Fiesta as they try to beat their 8 th overall finish position clocked in the WRC3 category last year.

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• Absalom Ashwani: Meet Navigator Giving Directions To Top Rally Drivers
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• Maxine Wahome: Profile Of The First Kenyan Female Driver To Win WRC_3 Safari Rally

Amanraaj Singh Rai

Amanraaj Rai is a professional Kenyan rally driver, representing the country in multiple international championships. In WRC Safari Rally 2021, he took 20th place overall, after suffering a serious car accident on the track. Rai ranks 138th of the World Championship in Rally.

McRae Kimathi

FIA Young Star program driver McRae Kimathi is looing to improve his standings after taking part in several Junior World Championships. Last year, the 26 year old put on a strong show throughout the grueling course but had to retire his vehicle in the final stage due to a mechanical problem.

Hamza Anwar

Last year, 22 year-old Hamza Anwar finished 25th overall. Hamza comes from a strong rally heritage. His father Asad Anwar and uncle Azar Anwar are both known for their rally exploits. This year, he is hoping to clock better winning time, noting that his main strategy will be to avoid any accidents.

Jeremy Wahome

In the WRC Safari Rally event last June, 22-year old Jeremy Wahome driving an M-Sport Fiesta Rally 3, finished in 16th place in his first-ever rally event. He was able surpass more experienced drivers in one of the toughest WRC events.

Maxine Wahome

Jeremy Wahome’s younger sister, Maxine, popularly known as the  riding queen  for her prowess in the motorsport, has successfully participated in multiple national rally and autocross events. She also participated in the WRC Safari Rally, Voi Rally, Machakos Rally and autocross events in Mombasa and Nairobi..

Maxine made her rallying debut in the World Rally Championship Safari Rally last year in a Subaru Impreza. This year, however, she will compete with a Ford Fiesta in a bid to better her results.

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• Top drivers gear up for WRC Kenya Safari Rally Challenge

NAIROBI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The highly-anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Kenya is only hours away, with the stage set for what is predicted to be a wet showdown in the East African savannah.

This year's Safari Rally has been moved up to the Easter slot from June and is now the third round of the 2024 FIA WRC following the opening two races in Monaco and Sweden. The Safari has been held in June since its return to the global championship in 2021 following a 19-year absence, and following heavy rains that started to hit the country over the weekend, drivers are expecting a mud bath.

The event will be flagged off in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Thursday before the drivers compete in a Super Special Stage within the city. The crews will then move to Naivasha, 80km northwest of the Kenyan capital for the three-day rally proper that concludes on Sunday.

With a lineup of 29 entries comprising top contenders from across the world, anticipation for the rally has reached fever pitch. Several drivers have already arrived in Kenya, eager to tackle the challenging terrain and compete for glory in one of motorsport's most revered events.

Championship leader Thierry Neuville is seeking his first Safari victory, having been forced to retire from the 2021 and 2023 editions. "We had a good kick-off of the season as we are still leading the championship. Coming here to Kenya now, much earlier in the season, we are really looking forward to the race," the Hyundai driver told reporters at Masai Mara Game Research on Sunday.

"We know it's a windy season as well, so it's going to be probably a different challenge than what we have seen in the previous years. But it's always exciting to be here and it's some kind of adventure and much different than all the other rallies," he added.

Neuville leads the standings on 48 points, three ahead of Welshman and Toyota Gazoo Racing rival Elfyn Evans.

Frenchman Adrien Fourmax of M-Sport Ford is further adrift in third with 29. "First I need to get used to the temperature here. It's very hot, obviously, compared to what we have in France. I need to get used to it. And the landscape is completely different. So, yeah, quite a shock now, but a very nice experience. Obviously, it's quite different from what we have in Europe but it's always interesting to discover something new," he said.

Over the weekend, Neuville, Evans, Nicolas Ciamin of France and Luxembourg's Gregoire Munster were among the drivers who were treated to a two-day safari at the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.

The trip was part of Kenya's effort to tap into the six billion U.S. dollars motorsport industry by encouraging sports enthusiasts to either extend their stay after events such as the Safari Rally or arrive earlier to explore more of the country.

The heavy rain currently pounding Kenya brings an additional challenge to an already grueling rally.

Few drivers will have come across the deep water and slippery mud that can replace dusty roads in a matter of minutes.

The Safari Rally was first held in 1953, as the East African Coronation Safari in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Renamed the Kenya Safari Rally in 1974, the event is held on roads still open to the public and has gained notoriety as the toughest round of the WRC, where arduous conditions, constantly changing weather and more than 5,000 competitive kilometers makes simply finishing an achievement. Enditem

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The African drivers who’ll be in the Safari spotlight

The WRC3 and RC3 classes on Safari Rally Kenya feature several of Africa's rising rally stars

Photography by Kenya Airways

Words by Luke Barry

World Rally Championship rounds don’t get much more exciting than the Safari Rally – particularly as this week’s rally will be the first time every single one of the factory drivers will be starting in Kenya.

But you’d be forgiven for thinking the contest in the WRC’s support classes is a touch less appetizing for the neutral. Instead of the usual burgeoning entry in WRC2 and WRC3 with some of the best international drivers going toe-to-toe on the stages, this week’s sole WRC2 entrant (Martin Prokop) and six WRC3 runners doesn’t really compare.

However, viewing things that way would be missing the true beauty of the Safari Rally. Look down this historic event’s roll of honor and you’ll discover this hasn’t always been a rally where the established stars shine, but rather where new ones can be born.

With that in mind, here’s who we should be looking out for in WRC3 and indeed in the Rally3 class as four of the impressive new M-Sport Poland machines will be out in force in the African wilderness.

Photo: Safari Rally

Seeded entry list:

The WRC3 class is the perfect platform for established national rallying stars to prove what they can do to the watching rallying world, and in Kenya five of the country’s finest talents will be looking to do just that.

Polish driver Daniel Chwist is the only one of the six starters not to hail from Kenya, and indeed has never rallied in Africa before. But he does have an extremely experienced ace card to draw should he need. More on that later…

Photo: FIA ERC Media

In the experience stakes it’s Carl Tundo that tops the pile, as he is one of few drivers on the entry list to have actually started the Safari Rally in the WRC before – and the only of those to enter WRC3 this weekend. He didn’t get his Subaru Impreza to the finish of the event on that occasion, but he has won the Safari Rally an incredible five times – only Shektar Mehta can match that statistic.

Tundo also won the recent Equator Rally, which essentially ran as a warm-up for this week’s event, so he looks a strong bet for success in his Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.

Onkar Rai is the top seed and is a regular podium threat on African rallies, but the same can be said of Rai Tavjeer. He’s been second on the last three rallies he’s started in Kenya.

Karen Patel, Kenya and the Ford Fiesta R5 haven’t always been a marriage made in heaven as from six starts he’s only finished once; but Aakid Virani’s recent record isn’t too much better as he’s failed to finish his last three.

Photo: Kenya Airways

So, remember that ace card for Chwist? Step forward his uncle Sobiesław Zasada: the 91-year-old who is poised to become the oldest competitor ever to start a round of the WRC. He’s no stranger to the Safari Rally, but hasn’t competed since 1997.

His entry is undoubtedly the headline-grabber in the RC3 class, but Kenya will be a real test for the Rally3 machine’s strength and durability. Plus, if there’s anywhere where the car is really going to punch above its weight, it’ll be here.

91-YEAR-OLD TO BREAK RECORD FOR OLDEST WRC DRIVER ON SAFARI

Triple WRC champion Zasada will return to the WRC on the toughest of stages

Like in WRC3, Zasada is the Polish interloper in a Kenyan cocktail as all three of his class rivals are locals. However, all three actually can’t compete with Zasada’s experience on the African stages.

Anmar Hamza looks to be the best bet – based on previous form – to top the class though. Fifth place in a Subaru on the Equator Rally demonstrates what he can do, but like his rivals he will be learning the Fiesta Rally3 this week.

McRae Kimahti was no slouch on Equator – eighth, also in an Impreza – but giving a prediction on how former open-wheel racer Jeremy Wahone will fare would be speculative as this week marks his first ever rally start. Not a bad way to dip your toe in!

There were expected to be a strong haul of NR4-spec Subarus and Mitsubishis competing in the WRC section of the event too, but some 15 competitors didn’t comply with pre-event scrutineering and will start the national event instead.

More on Safari

Safari rally kenya data: running order + itinerary, is 2021 a real safari – nicky grist vs robert reid, what will a safari-spec car look like in 2021, kleinschmidt keeps abt cupra drive for rest of xe season, shop dirtfish.

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8 Local Rally Drivers to Lookout for in the 2023 WRC Safari Rally

     The WRC Safari Rally is one of the most exciting and challenging events in the World Rally Championship calendar. It attracts talented rally drivers from around the globe who showcase their skills and determination on the treacherous African terrain. In 2023, there are several local rally drivers who are set to make a mark in the rally and capture the attention of fans and enthusiasts alike. Let's take a closer look at eight such drivers to look out for in the WRC Safari Rally .

• Carl Tundo : Carl Tundo is a seasoned rally driver from Kenya who has consistently shown his prowess in previous editions of the Safari Rally. With a wealth of experience and knowledge of the local terrain, Tundo has the potential to emerge as a strong contender. His skillful driving and ability to handle the challenging conditions make him a force to be reckoned with.
• Onkar Rai : Onkar Rai is another Kenyan driver who has displayed remarkable talent in the rallying scene. He has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different terrains and excel under pressure. With his determination and precision, Rai is expected to showcase a stellar performance in the WRC Safari Rally .
• Manvir Baryan : Manvir Baryan hails from Kenya and has a reputation for his consistent performances in various rallying events. Baryan possesses excellent car control skills and has the ability to extract maximum speed from his machine. With his aggressive driving style and fearless approach, Baryan is poised to make an impact in the Safari Rally.
• Tejveer Rai:  Tejveer Rai, another Kenyan driver, has been steadily rising through the ranks in the rallying world. He has displayed great potential and has shown his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Rai's technical expertise, combined with his natural talent, makes him a promising contender in the WRC Safari Rally .
• Jasmeet Chana:  Jasmeet Chana from Kenya is a young and talented rally driver who has been making waves in the local rallying scene. He possesses a unique driving style that combines aggression with precision. Chana's ability to push the limits while maintaining control makes him an exciting prospect to watch out for in the WRC Safari Rally .
• McRae Kimathi:   McRae Kimathi is a rising star from Kenya and has racing in his blood as the son of legendary rally driver Phineas Kimathi. With his genes and determination, Kimathi has the potential to become a standout performer. He has showcased his speed and skill in previous events and is expected to make a significant impact in the Safari Rally.
• Eric Bengi : Eric Bengi is a promising rally driver from Kenya who has shown immense potential. He has consistently improved his performance and has a strong understanding of the local terrain. Bengi's natural talent and determination make him a driver to watch out for in the WRC Safari Rally .
• Karan Patel:   Karan Patel , hailing from Kenya, is a young and ambitious rally driver who has been steadily gaining recognition. He possesses excellent car control skills and has shown his ability to handle challenging conditions. Patel's hunger for success and his drive to perform at his best make him an exciting prospect in the WRC Safari Rally .

     Summarily, these eight local rally drivers bring a unique blend of skill, determination, and local knowledge to the WRC Safari Rally . Each of them has the potential to make a significant impact in the competition and capture the attention of fans and enthusiasts worldwide. Their performances will be closely watched, and it will be fascinating to see how they fare against the international field of competitors. The WRC Safari Rally promises to be a thrilling event, and these drivers will undoubtedly contribute to its excitement and intensity.

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Safari Rally 2024: Toyota team braces for a tough challenge

The 2024 Safari Rally Kenya is gearing up to be a thrilling challenge, setting the stage for a gripping showdown among the world’s top rally drivers. This year’s event promises to be one of the most demanding yet, with the rally scheduled to take place in Naivasha between the 28th and 31st of March.

Rally drivers will be expected to tackle treacherous terrain as the event coincides with the start of the long rain season in Kenya. The rough, muddy roads and pools will test the drivers’ skill and endurance to the limit, often demanding the ability to make split-second decisions to secure a win.

To combat the potentially flooded roads in Naivasha, many teams such as Toyota have equipped their cars with snorkels, allowing engines to breathe while minimizing the risk of water damage.

Read also : CFAO injects Sh30 Million into WRC Safari Rally

Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has acknowledged the unique challenges that this year’s Safari Rally will present, “This year, it could bring a different challenge with the change of date: now it’s the rainy season in Kenya so there’s more risk of difficult conditions. When it rains there, the stages can get extremely slippery and it can be quite a challenge for the drivers to tackle.

“Patience is always very important, and especially if the weather gets difficult. Being the smartest can be the key, rather than being the fastest. All of our drivers have shown what it takes to do well there and we would really like to see another Toyota win.

“It’s difficult to make significant changes to the car for this one event, but we are introducing a general update for the suspension. It’s also great that we can fit snorkels to the cars, which will not only look quite cool but also help if there is more water on the road.”

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Ruto guarantees security ahead of Safari Rally showdown

The rally will take place from thursday, march 28 to sunday, march 31 in naivasha..

• Several foreign drivers have already arrived in Kenya to compete for glory in one of motorsport's most revered events that promises high-speed action.

The President said it’s an honour for Kenya yet again to host the world’s toughest motor rally contest.

President William Ruto has assured rally lovers and drivers that all security measures have been put in place ahead of the much anticipated WRC Safari Rally scheduled for this Easter weekend in Naivasha.

The rally which will feature an impressive lineup of 29 drivers will take place from Thursday, March 28 to Sunday, March 31.

Several foreign drivers have already arrived in Kenya to compete for glory in one of motorsport's most revered events that promises high-speed action and fierce competition.

“I join the people of Kenya to welcome top WRC Safari Rally drivers to Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley and incomparable beautiful destination in Magical Kenya,” Ruto said.

He described the race as a captivating showpiece where human ingenuity and endurance, breath-taking rugged terrain and the epitome of automotive engineering are stretched to their limits.

“I take this opportunity to assure every participant that every measure has been taken by relevant government agencies to ensure that the Safari rally is safe and secure,” the President said.

Among foreign drivers who have already arrived in the country to tackle the challenging terrain include Frenchman Adrien Fourmax of M-Sport Ford, Thierry Neuville of Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT team and Elfyn Evans.

“Welcome home and enjoy the Easter magic of WRC Safari Rally,” Ruto said in a video message on Tuesday.

Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais won the 2023 WRC which was also hosted by Kenya.

Their team, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, successfully defended their manufacturer's title while Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak successfully defended their victory in the World Rally Championship-2 category.

Diego Dominguez Jr and Rogelio Peñate won the World Rally Championship-3 category.

The Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT crew of Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe was disqualified from the rally post-event for unauthorised reconnaissance of stages.

They were stripped of their eighth-place finish and the victory in the Power Stage and handed to Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja of the M-Sport Ford team.

As has always been the tradition, this weekend’s rally is expected to attract hundreds of rally lovers to Naivasha, spelling a boom for hotels and restaurants in the tourist hub.

Preparations for the event were in top gear as early as last week where organizers and teams were working tirelessly to ensure everything was in place.

The Service Park had by Sunday already been erected.

The Safari Rally Kenya marks the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships, following Rallye Monte and Rally Sweden held in January and February respectively.

It's all systems go as WRC drivers arrive in Naivasha ahead of rally

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