Safari Rally Kenya 2025 kicked off with a dramatic shakedown session where Toyota’s Kalle Rovanpera set the pace in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.
Held at the newly introduced Sleeping Warrior stage near Nakuru County, the shakedown served as a prelude to what promises to be one of the most challenging rallies of the 2025 WRC season with competitors facing the daunting task of navigating Kenya’s notoriously rugged terrain.
Two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera set a blistering pace in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 to claim the fastest time, marking a strong start to Safari Rally Kenya 2025 after struggling through the season’s first two rounds.
Rovanpera clocked a time of 4:34.5 underscoring his readiness to dominate the weekend. His closest rival was Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville who trailed by just 1.6 seconds, setting the stage for a closely contested competition.
Hyundai displayed impeccable form with Ott Tanak and Adrien Fourmaux also finishing strongly in third and fourth respectively while Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta secured fifth place.
The WRC2 category saw Oliver Solberg dominate in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, with a time of 4:47.1 that placed him ahead of several top-tier Rally1 competitors. Solberg’s performance highlighted his growing prowess on gravel stages and positioned him as a strong contender for the WRC2 title in Kenya.
However, the major talking point from shakedown was the WRC drivers’ protest against FIA’s clampdown on swearing following Fourmaux’s fine in Sweden. Throughout the weekend, they are either set to deliver stage-end interviews in a language other than English, or decline to provide any comment whatsoever.
The rally’s organization has also been marred by legal issues. A High Court ruling nullified the hosting agreement signed by suspended Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) Chairman Maina Muturi, citing that it was executed in defiance of a court order barring him from managing the federation’s affairs.
This decision has raised concerns about the rally’s legitimacy and left stakeholders awaiting further direction on how the event will proceed.
Despite these challenges, Safari Rally Kenya 2025 is set to continue with its planned itinerary which includes a mix of new and familiar stages. The event will begin with a ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi and a Super Special Stage at Kasarani, followed by a series of demanding stages across Kenya’s countryside.
The introduction of new stages like Mzabibu and Camp Moran promises to add fresh challenges for drivers, while the return of iconic stages such as Sleeping Warrior and Hell’s Gate will test their endurance and skill.
Safari Rally Kenya is renowned for its grueling conditions, with drivers facing over 240 miles of competitive stages across four days. The rally’s unique blend of rough gravel roads, unpredictable weather, and stunning landscapes makes it one of the most challenging and visually spectacular events in the WRC calendar.
As Safari Rally Kenya 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on Rovanpera and his closest rivals to see who can navigate the treacherous Kenyan terrain with the most success.
Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding the event, the competition on the stages promises to be intense with drivers from top teams like Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford contending for victory.
