The Safari Rally Kenya, taking place in the Great Rift Valley, is the third round of the 2025 WRC season. Toyota leads the competition, with Elfyn Evans as the current points leader, while defending champion Thierry Neuville emphasizes the importance of strategy for upcoming challenges. The rally features high-speed tracks and demanding terrain, making it a highlight in the motorsport calendar.
The Safari Rally Kenya, renowned for its challenging terrain, will host the third round of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. This prestigious rally takes place in the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, where wildlife such as lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras inhabit the vicinity, providing a striking backdrop for the event.
Toyota, celebrating its century milestone, has demonstrated dominance in the WRC since the Safari rejoined the calendar in 2021. The team arrives in Kenya with a perfect score from the first two rounds; however, the event’s demanding nature poses significant challenges. Renowned as the toughest test in WRC, it features long, high-speed stretches followed by deep ruts and rocky paths, necessitating the use of snorkels for water crossings throughout the 384 competitive kilometers—the longest distance of the season.
Elfyn Evans leads the drivers’ championship standings by 28 points but has yet to conquer the distinctive challenges of the Safari. His teammate Kalle Rovanperä has previously celebrated two victories, while Takamoto Katsuta has reached the podium thrice. Finnish rookie Sami Pajari will also pilot a GR Yaris Rally1 for the second-string team, contributing to Toyota’s representation.
Elfyn Evans expressed, “The Safari is a unique rally with a special set of conditions to face. It’s not easy even if it’s dry, but when you add the likelihood of rain and standing water, it can be a huge challenge just to get to the end.” He emphasized the team’s commitment to aiming for the highest possible result despite past personal challenges at the event.
In a notable development, Hankook’s new Dynapro R213 gravel tire will make its WRC debut during this demanding rally. Defending champion Thierry Neuville, currently ranked fourth, focuses on strategic driving and reliability. He and his Hyundai Motorsport teammates Ott Tänak and Adrien Fourmaux will utilize older-spec i20 N Rally1 cars for increased durability.
Neuville remarked, “We need to have a clever drive. Taking care of the car and staying away from trouble will be key to that.” M-Sport Ford will also compete with three Puma Rally1 cars, fielding drivers Grégoire Munster, Josh McErlean, and gentleman driver Jourdan Serderidis.
The rally will commence in Nairobi on Thursday morning, proceeding through 21 challenging special stages around Lakes Naivasha and Elmenteita, setting the scene for an exceptional spectacle in motorsport.
In conclusion, the Safari Rally Kenya promises to be a formidable challenge as the third round of the WRC season. With its unique combination of rugged terrain and high-speed sections, drivers—including Toyota’s Elfyn Evans and reigning champion Thierry Neuville—will need strategic and careful driving to succeed. The introduction of new tire technology will add further intrigue as teams aim for victory in this iconic rally.
Original Source: www.wrc.com
