The 2025 WRC Safari Rally, taking place from March 20-23 in Naivasha and Nairobi, is set to be a thrilling spectacle. As the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), this iconic Kenyan event is renowned for its punishing terrain, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking landscapes. With a competitive distance of 384.86 km across 21 stages, the rally will test the skill, endurance, and strategy of every driver. For Kenyan motorsport fans and global enthusiasts alike, here are the top drivers to keep an eye on during this unforgiving rally.
Why the Safari Rally Is a Unique Challenge
The Safari Rally stands apart from other WRC events due to its demanding conditions. Drivers face rocky tracks, deep fesh-fesh sand, water crossings, and the constant threat of rain turning stages into muddy quagmires. Held around Lake Naivasha and flagged off from Nairobi, the 2025 edition introduces new stages like Mzabibu and Camp Moran, adding fresh challenges. Success here requires not just speed but resilience, smart pacing, and flawless teamwork between drivers and co-drivers. With over 124 million viewers tuning in last year (Business Daily, 2025), the stakes are high for both international stars and local heroes.
Top Drivers to Watch in 2025
Here’s a rundown of the standout drivers who could dominate—or surprise—at the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, based on their past performances, current form, and adaptability to Kenya’s brutal conditions.
1. Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
- Why He’s a Contender: The Finnish sensation has already conquered the Safari Rally twice, winning in 2022 and 2024. His dominance in 2024—leading a Toyota 1-2-4 finish—highlighted his mastery of Kenya’s rough gravel. Rovanperä’s ability to balance speed with car preservation makes him a favorite.
- 2025 Form: After a solid start to the season, he sits third in the championship with 31 points following Rally Sweden. His gravel experience and Toyota’s unbeaten streak in Kenya since 2021 (wrc.com) bolster his chances.
- Key Stage: Watch him on Sleeping Warrior, where his precision shone in past years.
2. Elfyn Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
- Why He’s a Contender: The Welshman leads the 2025 championship with 61 points after a stunning Rally Sweden win. Known for his consistency, Evans finished second in Kenya in 2022 and fourth in 2024, proving he can handle the Safari’s demands despite occasional setbacks like punctures.
- 2025 Form: His early season momentum and Toyota’s reliability give him an edge. Evans excels at strategic driving, a must on stages like Kedong with its notorious Miti Mbili jump.
- Key Stage: Hell’s Gate, the Wolf Power Stage, could see him rack up crucial points.
3. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)
- Why He’s a Contender: The reigning world champion has yet to win in Kenya but has shown resilience, finishing fifth in 2024 despite Hyundai’s reliability woes. Neuville’s experience and determination make him a threat, especially with Hyundai addressing past issues (autosport.com, 2025).
- 2025 Form: Sitting fourth with 29 points, he’s hungry for a breakthrough Safari victory. A new snorkel upgrade for the i20 N could help him navigate water and dust.
- Key Stage: Camp Moran’s 32.2 km will test his endurance—a perfect stage for a comeback.
4. Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
- Why He’s a Contender: Katsuta loves Kenya, securing podiums in 2021 (second) and 2024 (second). His measured approach suits the rally’s need for caution, and his two stage wins in 2024 show he can push when it counts.
- 2025 Form: With 30 points, he’s a consistent performer. Toyota’s dominance in Kenya—12 all-time wins—gives him a strong platform.
- Key Stage: Soysambu’s mix of tight corners and fast straights could see him shine.
5. Carl Tundo (Ford Fiesta Rally2)
- Why He’s a Contender: A Kenyan rally legend, Tundo brings local knowledge to the WRC2 class. He’s a multiple national champion and a regular Safari contender, often outperforming expectations against Rally1 cars.
- 2025 Form: Leading the Kenyan contingent, Tundo’s experience on Naivasha’s roads gives him an edge in WRC2. Sponsors like KCB Bank back his bid for a strong finish.
- Key Stage: Mzabibu’s vineyard-lined route could favor his technical skills.
6. Karan Patel (Škoda Fabia Rally2)
- Why He’s a Contender: Another Kenyan star, Patel’s aggressive style and local expertise make him a WRC2 standout. He’s aiming to impress on home soil, backed by KCB’s KSh 209 million investment in the rally (safarirally.ke).
- 2025 Form: As a rising talent, he’s poised to challenge international WRC2 drivers like Gus Greensmith and Oliver Solberg.
- Key Stage: Elementaita’s reversed direction will test his adaptability.
7. Ott Tänak (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)
- Why He’s a Contender: The 2019 world champion has unfinished business in Kenya, with a third-place finish in 2021 but struggles since. His raw speed could shine if Hyundai’s reliability holds.
- 2025 Form: Fifth with 26 points, Tänak needs a big result to climb the standings.
- Key Stage: Oserengoni’s vast plains suit his high-speed style.
8. Tinashe Gatimu (Ford Fiesta Rally3)
- Why She’s a Contender: At just 20, Gatimu is a Kenyan prodigy racing in WRC3 with her mother, Caroline, as co-driver. Her fearless approach and local roots make her a fan favorite.
- 2025 Form: As a rookie, she’s one to watch for future potential rather than outright victory.
- Key Stage: Kasarani’s super special stage will showcase her early pace.
Emerging Talents and Dark Horses
Beyond the headliners, a few drivers could surprise:
- Sami Pajari (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1): Making his Safari debut, this Toyota youngster has pace but faces a steep learning curve.
- Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai i20 N Rally1): Third in 2024, he’s adapting fast and could podium again.
- Naveen Pulligilla (Ford Fiesta Rally3): India’s first WRC entrant, competing in WRC3, adds an international twist (outlookindia.com).
What Makes These Drivers Stand Out?
- Past Success: Rovanperä and Katsuta have Safari wins and podiums, while Evans and Neuville bring championship pedigree.
- Local Edge: Tundo, Patel, and Gatimu know Kenya’s terrain intimately, giving them a navigational advantage.
- Team Strength: Toyota’s four-car lineup (Rovanperä, Evans, Katsuta, Pajari) contrasts with Hyundai’s three (Neuville, Tänak, Fourmaux), potentially tipping the scales.
The Stages to Watch
- Mzabibu: A new, spectator-friendly stage with technical twists.
- Camp Moran: The longest at 32.2 km, demanding stamina.
- Hell’s Gate: The Power Stage finale, where bonus points can shift standings.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally promises edge-of-your-seat drama, with Rovanperä aiming to defend his crown, Evans chasing the title, and local stars like Tundo and Patel flying the Kenyan flag. Whether you’re streaming on Rally.TV, catching KBC highlights, or cheering trackside, these drivers are your must-watch talents. Follow their progress on safarirally.ke, join the conversation online with #WRCSafariRally2025, and witness Kenya’s motorsport magic unfold from March 20-23. Who’s your pick to tame the wild?
