Thierry Neuville set the fastest time during the shakedown for the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026, but heavy rain has drivers anticipating a brutal and unpredictable race.

• Thierry Neuville finished the shakedown 1.8 seconds ahead of Oliver Solberg.
• Key drivers like Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier have warned of "extreme conditions" and "survival" tests due to the rain.
• Drivers are emphasizing the need to balance speed with caution in the upcoming rounds of the World Rally Championship.

Mechanics are in a race against time to put the finishing touches on rally cars at the Kenya Wildlife Service Research and Training Institute as teams finalize preparations for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha. The event is set to begin this morning with the Shakedown.

• Mechanics are working to fix various car components before the rally starts.
• Notable participants include Diego Domínguez, competing in WRC Rally 2 with navigator Rogélio Peñate in a Toyota Yaris.
• Foreign fans, particularly from neighbouring East African Community countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, are arriving for the four-day motorsport event.

The 2025 WRC Safari Rally has kicked off in Naivasha, Kenya, featuring intense competition on challenging terrains. The event runs from today until Sunday, with drivers battling for supremacy.

• Defending champion Elfyn Evans, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, is aiming to retain his title.
• Toyota Gazoo Racing, seeking a sixth consecutive title, faces strong competition from Hyundai and M-Sport Ford.
• Local drivers, including Karan Patel and paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania, are also competing in various categories.

The 2026 WRC Safari Rally has officially kicked off in Naivasha, transforming the lakeside town into a hub of activity and economic boom.

• Over 400,000 fans are expected to attend the 20 rally stages.
• Key figures include Adrien Fourmaux (French driver) and Principal Secretary for Sports Hon Elijah Mwangi.
• The Wildlife Research and Training Institute of Kenya serves as the Service Park, hosting top manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford, with Toyota aiming for a dominant performance.