Excitement mounts as the 2024 WRC Safari Rally kicks off today with Shakedown at the Ndulele Conservancy off Moi Road in Naivasha. Here, P1 and selected drivers from other classes will put their machines to the test on the 5.40km stage.
Shakedown serves as a pre-race warm-up, allowing teams to shake off any rust and prepare their engines for the main event. While no points are awarded during this short section, a strong performance can uplift the crew’s morale and hint at their level of readiness.
On Thursday, President William Ruto will officially start the rally at KICC, after which the cars will head to the first competitive stage at Kasarani Super Special Stage. The rally will officially begin on Friday morning with Special Stage Two, Loldia (19.17km), followed by Geothermal (13.12km), a challenging stage with rocky hills and sweeping corners.
Competitors will then race through the floor of the Rift Valley in Kedong, facing the notorious ‘fesh fesh’ volcanic soil that can hinder engines and slow down the high-speed machines, covering a distance of 30.48km. These stages will be repeated twice, totaling 125.54km.
Recent heavy rains in the region will add an extra layer of excitement to the rally, which has always been a rigorous test of skill, machinery, and terrain.
Former Two-Wheel drive champion Eric Bengi highlights the challenges posed by wet weather, stating, “Muddy conditions present unique challenges in rallying. Traction control and handling differ from previous years, but I believe it will be an entertaining event.”
Defending WRC Safari Rally champion Sebastian Ogier will not be competing this year. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s hopes will be pinned on their world champion and 2022 Safari winner, Kalle Rovanpera, along with Japanese talent Takamoto Katsuta and Elfyn Evans.
Fresh off a victory at Rally Sweden, Esapekka Lappi poses a major threat for Hyundai, which also boasts the 2019 WRC champion and the talented Belgian, Thierry Neuville.
M-Sport Ford will be banking on Adrien Fourmaux, who clinched his first podium in Rally Sweden, along with Gregoire Munster and Jourdan Serderidis.
Locally, Kenya’s hopes lie with African champion Karan Patel, who will drive his new Skoda Fabia R5 purchased from five-time Safari Rally winner, Carl “Flash” Tundo.
Given the expected rainy weather throughout the weekend, Tundo’s experience in such conditions gives him an edge, as noted by Eric Bengi: “I would put my money on the top three Kenyan drivers, Flash, Karan, and Iceman (Jasmeet Chana). Flash, in particular, excels in muddy conditions, while Karan has been practicing extensively. Not to undermine Jasmeet, but with his new car, he might need some time to adjust.”
Talanta Hela’s young sensation, Tinashe Gatimu, will make her second appearance at the WRC Safari Rally alongside her mother and navigator, Caroline Gatimu.
Jennifer Malik and media personality Pauline Sheghu form the other all-female crew participating in this year’s Safari rally.
