Safari Rally Kenya 2024: A Thrilling Chapter in the World Rally Championship
The upcoming Safari Rally Kenya, scheduled from March 27-31, is poised to showcase the thrilling and diverse nature of the World Rally Championship (WRC). This event marks the third in a series of exhilarating races in the WRC season, highlighting the intense competition among top drivers and manufacturers.
At the forefront of the provisional standings are Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans, separated by a mere three points, with Hyundai and Toyota sharing the lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship. Notably, M-Sport Ford has also secured a podium finish in 2024, emphasizing the fierce rivalry among Rally1 contenders in the FIA WRC.
Traditionally held during June since its return in 2021, Safari Rally Kenya returns to its Easter weekend slot for 2024, becoming the first gravel-based round of the year. This timing coincides with Kenya’s rainy season, posing additional challenges for drivers and teams as they navigate the captivating East African landscape.
The rally’s route encompasses 19 stages covering a total distance of 367.76 kilometers, maintaining continuity from the previous year. The event kicks off with the Super Special Kasarani in Nairobi before moving to Lake Naivasha for the subsequent days of competition.
Each leg presents unique obstacles, with changing road conditions due to the rain, making the clay-based roads exceptionally slippery. While road clearing is less influential here compared to other loose-surface rounds, the rain’s unpredictability places a strong emphasis on the start order for each leg.
Noteworthy personalities attending include FIA Vice-President for Sport Africa and FIA World Motor Sport Council member Rodrigo Rocha. Additionally, Pirelli, the official tire supplier for FIA WRC, is providing the Scorpion KX tire in soft and hard compounds to enhance performance based on weather conditions.
The Rally1 contenders include teams like Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, and Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, featuring top drivers like Thierry Neuville, Elfyn Evans, Ott Tänak, and Kalle Rovanperä, among others, vying for victory in this challenging rally.
In the supporting categories, drivers from FIA African Rally Championship and FIA WRC2 Championship showcase their skills, with notable names such as Karan Patel, Carl Tundo, Oliver Solberg, and Kajetan Kajetanowicz participating in various classes.
