Thursday: A Rally Launch in the Heart of Nairobi
In a vibrant display of automotive prowess and national pride, Kenyan President William Ruto officially inaugurated the Safari Rally Kenya today in the bustling capital of Nairobi. The atmosphere was electric as the President waved off the leading crews from the start ramp, before making his way to the nearby Kasarani Stadium for a thrilling super special stage. Thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered at every possible vantage point to witness the World Rally Championship stars showcase their skills. The excitement continued to build as the rally progressed to the all-new Mzabibu test, located a mere 10 kilometres from the rally base in Naivasha.
Elfyn Evans, the reigning championship leader, initially set the pace at Kasarani. However, it was Ott Tänak who truly made his mark, launching himself into the lead after a stellar performance in SS2, where he showcased the full capabilities of his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 on the longer and more technically demanding stage. By day’s end, Tänak had established a 2.4-second advantage over Takamoto Katsuta, with M-Sport Ford Puma’s Grégoire Munster trailing closely by just two-tenths of a second.
“For me, it was all fine,” Tänak remarked. “I think the first stage tomorrow will show quite a lot. It’s super tricky, very demanding, and long at the same time. I think the whole day will be quite a big show.”
Katsuta, already a three-time podium finisher in Kenya, demonstrated his potential to rise to the top, although a minor mishap during SS2—a wide moment on a left-hander—cost him precious seconds as he scrambled for traction. Completing the top five were his GR Yaris Rally1 team-mates Kalle Rovanperä and Evans. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux encountered significant trouble, unable to start his engine after the regroup and thus missing the action in SS2. His team-mate and defending champion, Thierry Neuville, struggled with his own technical challenges, landing in eighth place behind Josh McErlean and Sami Pajari.
Friday: The Drama of Competition
The following day unfolded with a dramatic flair typical of the Safari rally as FIA World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans emerged at the front of the field. The first full day of competition proved fiercely attritional, with mechanical troubles claiming many of the frontrunners, including the previously dominant Ott Tänak.
In a true demonstration of the rally’s unforgiving nature, over half the Rally1 contingent faced setbacks during the day’s eight challenging gravel speed tests across the picturesque yet perilous Great Rift Valley. Tänak, who had soared to four stage wins and initially opened a commanding one-minute lead, faced disaster in the afternoon when a driveshaft failure relegated his Hyundai to rear-wheel drive only. The Estonian, who appeared unstoppable moments earlier, lost significant time in the latter stages, finding himself third overall with a deficit of 55.4 seconds at the end of the day.
With Tänak’s misfortune, Toyota GAZOO Racing’s Elfyn Evans took the opportunity to advance steadily in his GR Yaris Rally1. Displaying a clean and consistent performance—despite not claiming the fastest stage time—Evans managed to end the day with a precarious lead over team-mate Kalle Rovanperä. A near-miss from a rear-right tyre deflation at the close of the final stage served as the only scare for the Welshman, whose strategic caution paid off.
Rovanperä, just 7.7 seconds behind in second place, could have easily been leading had it not been for a spin in a particularly narrow section of the Kedong stage, which hampered his progress in a phase that should have been relatively trouble-free.
“It’s been a difficult day and we’ve erred on the side of caution,” said Evans. “Obviously some guys have had trouble, which is unfortunate, but it’s part of the Safari. It’s a bit frustrating sometimes because you feel like you can take a bit more risk and go a bit faster, but I keep reminding myself where we are. It’s a shame for Ott, obviously, to have a mechanical [failure] like that. You never know in this game if it’s because the car has had an impact or if it’s just a standard failure, but it’s a shame for him because he was going well.”
Tänak’s woes were mirrored by those of his Hyundai counterparts. Reigning champion Thierry Neuville’s day began with a minute-long penalty after his i20 N encountered delays due to a gearbox change, setting the stage for an eventful day on the unforgiving Kenyan terrain.
Saturday: Unraveling the Rally
As the Safari Rally Kenya approached its penultimate day, the excitement intensified amidst challenging conditions that continued to test the limits of both machines and drivers. The rugged landscape, coupled with the unpredictable nature of the rally, ensured that the drama was far from over.
Elfyn Evans maintained his lead, but the day was fraught with peril, as teams braced for the crippling effects of Kenya’s unforgiving terrain. The 31.40km Camp Moran test, which opened the morning stages, proved to be a significant hurdle. While Evans’s consistent and methodical approach helped him navigate early challenges, his grip on the lead was not as secure as he might have hoped.
The day also saw Ott Tänak recover some of his lost ground, illustrating the resilience that has characterized his career. Despite the earlier setbacks, the Estonian driver showcased an impressive performance, reclaiming confidence with a series of competitive stage times. As Tänak fought back, the competition heightened the stakes for Evans, Rovanperä, and Katsuta, who were all in hot pursuit.
For many, it was a day of attrition. Mechanical failures and untimely mishaps continued to plague drivers, reminding everyone of the rally’s brutal nature. Several crews faced difficulties that forced them to withdraw or significantly alter their strategies as they tried to salvage points.
As Evans crossed the finish line, he expressed his relief at a successful day while acknowledging the ever-present threat posed by his rivals: “Today has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Keeping focused has been key, but I know I can’t let my guard down. The rally is still unpredictable.”
Meanwhile, Rovanperä’s tenacity shone through as he weathered a series of challenges, ending the day just within striking distance of the leader, pushing Evans to remain vigilant in his approach.
Sunday: The Final Showdown
The final day of Safari Rally Kenya unfolded with all the exhilaration of a grand finale. The previous day’s skirmishes had set the stage for a nail-biting conclusion, as competitors prepared to tackle the last few stages that would ultimately determine the outcome.
Elfyn Evans began the day with a slender lead, yet the pressure mounted as Tänak continued to hunt him down, bringing with him the unrelenting determination of a competitor who had tasted victory before. The deciders came down to a thrilling display of skill through the treacherous stretches of the Kenyan terrain.
As the morning unfolded, the mood was tense. Every inch of track dissected and every corner scrutinized, the stakes could not have been higher. The first stage saw Evans hold his composure, while Tänak pushed relentlessly. Their rivalry encapsulated the essence of the Safari: exhilarating yet perilous, full of high-speed drama as competitors danced on the knife-edge of control.
With the finish line drawing near, the narrative took another twist. Both Evans and Tänak were faced with mechanical challenges—unpredictable in a race that had already claimed many casualties. However, it was the Welshman who managed to navigate through the final stages with remarkable fortitude and precision, allowing him to maintain his fragile lead.
As the dust settled, the roar of engines gave way to the eruption of cheers as Evans crossed the finish line to secure victory at Safari Rally Kenya. The sense of relief and joy washed over him, a testament to both his driving skill and the strategy employed during the grueling event.
“This is what we came here for,” he remarked, soaking in the elation of victory. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about endurance, and this rally demands both. I’m proud we managed to hold it together.”
With Tänak finishing a commendable second, the day concluded not just with triumph, but a shared respect among competitors who had faced the formidable challenge of the Safari.
