Two-time Naivasha “Fesh Fesh” veteran and 2019 World Rally champion, Otto Tanak, is set to return to the WRC Safari Rally Kenya with renewed vigor.
The Estonian has driven the i20 Rally1 model twice, securing a third-place finish in 2021 and retiring in 2022 due to power steering issues. Despite his previous accomplishments, experts remain uncertain whether Tanak is the right person to lead M-Sport Ford to their first WRC Safari Rally triumph in the Rally 1 hybrid era.
Dennis Mwenda, former Kenyan 2WD champion, also known as ‘Dere Mwenda,’ expressed concern over Tanak’s capability to prove Puma’s potential on Kenya’s rough terrain.
He noted that the Puma has been unreliable in the few rallies in which Tanak has competed, and Ford had difficulties with Safari last year. Mwenda believes that it will be challenging to call the outcome of the rally.
Tanak has yet to secure the highly-coveted Safari title, but he could help M-Sport Ford achieve new heights on a good day. The Estonian speedster signed a deal with M-Sport Ford at the start of the season, reuniting him with the team that launched his World Rally career.
Tanak earned his first top-flight podium finish and maiden victory at M-Sport. He hopes to achieve two facets of his 2023 goals at Safari: winning outright in Kenya and scoring crucial championship points.
Tanak clinched his first 2023 victory at the championship’s all-snow event in Sweden. He finished second in Croatia, ninth in Mexico, and fifth in Rallye Monte Carlo in France.
Tanak is currently fourth on the 2023 WRC log, behind Toyota Gazoo Racing’s trio of Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Kalle Rovanpera.The WRC Safari Rally is proudly sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya and the Government of Kenya.
