The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the highly anticipated 2024 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, the third leg of the FIA World Rally Championship, takes place this weekend from 28th -31st, March.
The iconic event promises high-speed action, fierce competition that will captivate fans around the globe.
With an impressive lineup of 29 entries comprising top contenders from across the world, anticipation for the rally has reached fever pitch. Several drivers have already and had a tour at the Maasai Mara over the weekend to shake off jetlag as they prepare to tackle the challenging terrain and compete for glory in one of motorsport’s most revered events.
Among them is Frenchman Adrien Fourmax of M-Sport Ford, finds himself enthralled by the striking contrasts between Kenya’s climate and landscape and his native France. He expressed his excitement, saying, “First I need to get used to the temperature here. It’s very hot, obviously, compared to what we have in France. I need to acclimatize and familiarize myself with the terrain. It’s quite different from what we have in Europe but it’s always interesting to discover something new.”
“For sure, it’s a difficult rally, especially for the cars but our hope is to score a lot of points in WRC2 because we are not many drivers. So, if we manage to avoid the troubles, I think we should score good points and for the championship this is what we need,” he added.
Thierry Neuville, the early championship leader from the Hyundai Shell Mobis team, exudes a mix of excitement and anticipation as he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead, “We had a good kick-off of the season as we’re still leading the championship. Coming here to Kenya now, much earlier in the season, we are really looking forward to the race. We know it’s a windy season as well, so it’s going to be probably a different challenge than what we’ve seen in the previous years. But it’s always exciting to be here and it’s some kind of adventure and much different than all the other rallies.
“I think it’s an enjoyable experience. It’s a thing you have to do once in your lifetime and I’m lucky to be here today. It might be like this all week. I mean, it’s good to arrive there and feel well prepared, but for a rally like this, we have no opportunities to really find the same conditions in Europe to test. So, we come here always with a bit of a question mark, we must shake down to adapt, and get the feeling again from those bumpy and rough roads. But this year I think in addition to all these challenges, the weather could be tough as well. It’s not my first time in Kenya, the first time was the most impressive. I’ve been here a couple of times, but I feel like it’s going to be something different this year,” added Neuville.
Elfyn Evans, known for his composed demeanor, emphasizes the importance of preparation while maintaining a calm and focused attitude, “Of course, we try and always arrive as prepared as we can. We have to find the balance between being prepared and relaxed so nothing new for us.”
As one of the toughest events in the World Rally Championship’s history, the Safari Rally Kenya is renowned for its challenging terrain and demanding conditions. This year’s edition promises to uphold its legacy, offering drivers and spectators an unparalleled experience filled with thrills and excitement.
The Safari Rally Kenya marks the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships, following Rallye Monte and Rally Sweden.
