The 2024 WRC Safari Rally Kenya is gearing up to showcase nine formidable World Rally Team cars from March 28th to 31st.
Notably absent from the final FIA entry list is defending champion Sebastien Ogier, representing Japanese outfit Toyota Gazoo Racing. Ford M-Sport, Gazoo Racing, and Hyundai WRT are each entering three drivers, ensuring a fiercely competitive lineup.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is represented by Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, and reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera, all determined to continue the dominance of the GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid in Africa. Last year, Toyota secured the top four spots in the Safari Rally, led by Ogier.
Belgian Thierry Neuville, currently leading the series, will pilot one of Hyundai’s three i20 N Rally1 Hybrids, accompanied by Ott Tanak and Finn Esapekka Lappi. The three Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrids will be driven by Jourdan Serderidis, Grégoire Munster, and Adrien Fourmaux.
The local contingent is led by former Kenyan champions Carl “Flash” Tundo and Karan Patel, along with eight other drivers. They include a trio of Mitsubishi Evolution X drivers: Nikhil Sachania, Andrew Muiruri, and Minesh Rathod. Kenya National Rally leader Samaan Singh Vohra will navigate a Skoda Fabia Evo alongside Alfir Khan.
Additional Kenyan participants in the mix are Aakif Virani in a Skoda Fabia and Hamza Anwar piloting a Ford Fiesta Rally 3. The event is anticipated to attract more Kenyan participants in the Kenya National Rally Championship category.
WRC Safari Rally Kenya Entries:
- Carl Tundo/Timothy Jessop
- Karan Patel/Tauseef Khan (Skoda Fabia)
- Aakif Virani/Zahir Shah (Skoda Fabia)
- Samman Singh Vohra/Alfir Khan (Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2)
- Hamza Anwar/Adnan Din (Ford Fiesta Rally3)
- Nikhil Sachania/Deep Patel (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X)
- Andrew Muiruri/Edward Njoroge (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X)
- Minesh Rathod/Gordon Noble (Mitsubishi Evolution X)
