WRC Safari Rally Set for Thrilling Showdown.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally is set to begin on Thursday morning with a ceremonial flag-off at Nairobi City Hall. A total of 50 teams, including 18 local drivers, will compete in the four-day event covering a total distance of 1,500 kilometers. TV 47, Radio 47, and TV 47 Digital will provide extensive coverage from Nairobi and Naivasha.
Early Action and Route Details
Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä dominated the early action, winning the shakedown ahead of the main race. The rally will officially kick off from City Hall before proceeding to the Super Special Stage in Kasarani, where racing will commence at 1:05 PM local time. Afterward, the cars will head to Naivasha in Nakuru County. The flag-off process is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude slightly past noon, around 12:06 PM.
Security and Traffic Management
A multi-agency security team has been deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow and spectator safety. Officers along the rally route will manage congestion, give rally cars priority, enforce lane discipline, clear obstacles, and prevent potential accidents.
Kenyan Drivers to Watch
Kenya will be represented by top rally drivers, including Africa Rally Champion Karan Patel, Africa Junior Rally Champion Hamza Anwar, and National Champion Jasmeet Chana. Other notable competitors include multiple Safari Rally champion Carl Tundo, alongside Tinashe Gatimu, Pauline Shekhu, Evad Skavisii, and Issa Amwari.
Driver Preparations and Expectations
Drivers have been preparing extensively for the race, with one of them confirming that their car has undergone a complete rebuild, fixing initial mechanical issues. They expressed excitement about the event, acknowledging the challenges that come with rally racing. As the race is expected to take place in wet conditions, they advised caution and encouraged fans to enjoy responsibly.
The four-day competition will conclude on Sunday at Hell’s Gate in Naivasha, bringing an action-packed rally to an end.
WRC Safari Rally Set for Thrilling Showdown
