The Safari Rally Kenya, as the third round of the 2025 WRC season, is held in the Great Rift Valley, showcasing extreme racing scenarios. Toyota seeks to maintain its dominance as Elfyn Evans leads the standings. The event features a mix of high speeds and treacherous terrain, with new tire technology introduced. Competitors face various challenges, including weather conditions and vehicle reliability, emphasizing strategic racing.
The Safari Rally Kenya, held in the striking Great Rift Valley, serves as the third round of the 2025 WRC season, renowned as one of the most challenging events of the championship. As the inaugural gravel rally of the year, it presents competitors with a unique blend of spectacular wildlife and demanding terrain. This rally marks a significant milestone for Toyota, who has maintained an impressive track record since its return to the WRC calendar in 2021, with flawless performances in the first two rounds.
The Safari Rally is characterized by extreme conditions, juxtaposing high-speed straights that can exceed 200 kilometers per hour with treacherous ruts and rocky paths that slow vehicles significantly. Competitors must be equipped with snorkels to navigate deep water sections throughout the 384 competitive kilometers, making it the longest route in the season. Under this extreme scenario, Toyota’s driver Elfyn Evans leads the standings, although he has yet to master this challenging event.
Team members such as Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta have demonstrated their prowess at this rally, with Rovanperä securing two victories. Rookie Sami Pajari also contributes as part of Toyota’s second team, piloting a GR Yaris Rally1. Evans stated, “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.”
Competing under these arduous conditions, Hankook will debut its new Dynapro R213 gravel tire, adding further excitement to the event. Defending champion Thierry Neuville aims to play a strategic game, opting to rely on older-spec i20 N Rally1 cars with teammates to prioritize reliability, stating, “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 fielded three Puma Rally1 vehicles, with Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean spearheading the team alongside gentleman driver Jourdan Serderidis. The rally will commence in Nairobi on Thursday morning, followed by 21 taxing special stages around Lakes Naivasha and Elmenteita.
The Safari Rally Kenya presents an unparalleled blend of breathtaking scenery and extreme racing challenges, reasserting its reputation as one of the most formidable rounds in the WRC calendar. Toyota approaches this milestone rally with confidence, while competitors prepare to confront unique obstacles. The introduction of new tire technology and strategic vehicle selection will play crucial roles as participants navigate the demanding courses in pursuit of victory.
Original Source: www.wrc.com
