NAIROBI, Kenya– The engines have roared, the dust has settled—well, temporarily—and the battle for WRC Safari Rally Kenya supremacy is in full throttle.
With two grueling days of high-speed action in Naivasha already in the books, drivers are pushing the limits in one of the most punishing yet thrilling legs of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Toyota Gazoo Racing remains the team to beat, but Hyundai’s Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville are on a mission to break their dominance.
Meanwhile, local rally legends like Carl “Flash” Tundo and Karan Patel are proving why Kenya’s homegrown talent is not to be overlooked.
The Safari Rally: A Test of Endurance, Speed, and Survival
A staple of the WRC calendar, the Safari Rally is unlike any other. Brutal terrain, unpredictable weather, and monstrous dust clouds make it an unforgiving test of both driver and machine.
After a thrilling flag-off in Nairobi by President William Ruto on Thursday, the rally roared into action, covering 384 competitive kilometers across some of Kenya’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1 kicked off with a 4.76km Super Special Stage at Kasarani, where championship leader Elfyn Evans set the early pace.
But the real challenge began in Naivasha, with drivers tackling Mzabibu (8.15km), Camp Moran (32.20km), Loldia (19.11km), Geothermal (13.12km), and Kedong (15.10km)—all notorious for their rough surfaces, unpredictable turns, and high-speed sections.
By Friday, the intensity cranked up.
Tänak seized the lead, clocking 25:57.3 at Camp Moran, while Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä struck back in Geothermal with a time of 7:03.4.
Meanwhile, Neuville, despite suffering a one-minute penalty for a late service start, clawed his way back into contention with an impressive 7:04.5 on SS5.
With Toyota dominating the Safari Rally since its return to WRC in 2021, Hyundai has its sights set on changing the narrative. Neuville, last year’s WRC champion, isn’t holding back.
“Toyota has been incredibly strong in Kenya, but this year, we’re here to shake things up,” said Neuville. “The Safari Rally is unpredictable, and anything can happen.”
Fan Frenzy: Bigger Spectator Zones, Unmatched Thrills
Kenyan motorsport fans are experiencing the Safari Rally like never before. This year’s event features 12 designated spectator zones, offering closer-than-ever views of the action.
The Rally Village, a new addition, gives fans a 360-degree rally experience, with screens streaming live footage, interactive exhibits, and—of course—plenty of nyama choma.
Event Director Norris Ongalo emphasized the effort to enhance fan engagement: “We’ve increased the number of spectator areas so fans can get closer to the drivers while ensuring safety. The Rally Village is also a great addition, allowing fans to follow the action even when they’re not on the course.”
For those at home, Safari Rally Kenya remains one of the most-watched WRC events, boasting an audience of over 85 million viewers across 170 countries.
The Battle Ahead: Can Hyundai Dethrone Toyota?
With two days left, all eyes are on the leaderboard. Toyota leads the manufacturer standings with 120 points, while Hyundai trails at 72 points.
But with Saturday’s Sleeping Warrior, Elementaita, and Soysambu stages and Sunday’s Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate finale, the race is far from over.
Defending champion Rovanperä remains cautious despite his team’s dominance: “We’ve won here before, but the Safari Rally is unpredictable. A single mistake can change everything.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Tänak is determined to keep the pressure on Toyota: “A 24-second lead here means nothing. This rally can turn in an instant.”
As the dust settles over Naivasha, one thing is certain—this is anyone’s race. Buckle up, because the final stretch of WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 is set to be nothing short of legendary.
