The 2025 WRC Safari Rally shakedown occurred March 19 in Naivasha, with Kalle Rovanperä achieving the fastest time. Competitors are aware of the challenging Kenyan conditions, focusing on endurance and strategic management. The official event begins in Nairobi, promising an intense battle ahead as drivers prepare for the rugged terrain.
The 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally had its shakedown on March 19th in Naivasha, marking the beginning of one of the most challenging legs in motorsport. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Kalle Rovanperä achieved the fastest time on the 5.4 km Sleeping Warrior stage, surpassing competitors Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak from Hyundai WRT. The official event will commence in Nairobi, where President William Ruto will flag off the competition before it transitions to Naivasha’s rugged landscape.
Drivers have expressed their awareness of the Safari Rally’s demanding conditions, characterized by tough roads, erratic weather, and deep fesh fesh, a fine dust. Kalle Rovanperä noted the significance of sustaining the ‘King of Safari’ title, stating that consistency and careful vehicle management are keys to success. He remarked, “Every year, it’s a big challenge to maintain the ‘King of Safari’ status. We’ve been strong here before, and that’s our goal again.”
Thierry Neuville conveyed his ambition for a strong performance, highlighting the challenges presented by Toyota’s previous dominance. He stated, “We’ve struggled in Kenya in past years, but this time, we’re aiming for a strong performance. Breaking Toyota’s winning streak won’t be easy, but we’ll push hard.” Ott Tänak acknowledged the demanding nature of the rally while emphasizing his focus on maintaining a clean run.
Elfyn Evans expressed the difficulties posed by the loose rocks and fesh fesh, emphasizing a cautious approach essential for completing the rally. Furthermore, Carl Tundo from Ford Fiesta WRC2 indicated that the shakedown was tough, aiming to navigate Friday safely before concentrating on the remaining stages. He remarked, “Shakedown was rough, so we took it easy. Our target is to get through Friday clean and then focus on the rest of the rally.”
With the shakedown concluded, drivers are preparing for an exhilarating competition across Kenya’s renowned Safari Rally terrain. The event promises to test both the athletes and their vehicles to their maximum capabilities, making endurance and strategic planning vital for triumph.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally is set to be an intense competition, showcasing the resilience and skill of the drivers amidst one of the toughest rally environments. The feedback from competitors highlights the challenging conditions, driving strategies, and the competitive spirit fueling their desire to succeed. As the event commences, anticipation builds for a spectacular display of motorsport excellence in Kenya.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
